THE retail and leisure sectors will be built separately at Dolphin Square after councillors agreed to a change of plans last night (Thurs).

Members of the authority’s south area committee have given McLaren Life the green light to build the cinema, bowling alley and restaurants on the side nearest Union Street.

It is hoped that by building the leisure facilities, retailers will see the potential of Dolphin Square and sign up to the £45million scheme. So far no retail businesses have.

Cllr Elfan Ap Rees, the council’s deputy leader, welcomed the decision.

He said: “The rejuvenation of the town centre, bringing in new commercial activity and new jobs, has been a long-held aim of the council, but the adverse economic conditions have made this difficult.

“It is therefore encouraging to see a proposal which provides a phased delivery enabling the leisure element to proceed while retail occupiers are sought.

“The applicants are confident that delivery of phase three will help in securing retail tenants for phase four.”

* For more details and reaction see next week’s Mercury.