MAJOR plans to create a giant leisure dome on the outskirts of Weston will need further outside investment before they can progress.

Leisuredome UK, which is behind the exciting proposals, says it is in talks about finding further funding.

However, it has responded to rumours the project could be in trouble by insisting everything is well on track.

A spokesman for the firm says OpalTec International has provided the initial investment, which has brought the project to where it is today.

But they say that ‘as with all developments of this nature’ it is seeking additional investment and ‘talks are progressing’.

The Mercury revealed last month how five new businesses have signed up to be a part of the �50million Leisuredome development.

Clothing retailers Ellis Brigham and Tog 24 have joined AngelBerry, Avalon Leisure and Tiny Tearawayz in signing up. The five firms are set to join international food giants Subway, Butcombe Brewery and SoHo Coffee at the former RAF Locking site.

Local businessman Clive Hamilton-Davies, who is behind the project and director of OpalTec International, has admitted the process of getting retailers to sign up had proved trickier than he first envisaged.

He added this week: “Leisuredome is a huge project.

“We are working to source the additional investment required and we cannot give out specific details as we’re currently in negotiation with interested parties, which are progressing well.

“We will not be in a position to announce more detail until a deal has been reached. Our focus is on making it happen, not on any other outcome.”

The multi-million pound complex, due to be completed by the end of next year, is due to include a 210-metre ski slope.

A ‘simulated ice rink’, a laser game area, an activity zone and a soft play area will also be built, alongside the country’s largest indoor ski slope and what is believed to be the world’s biggest indoor climbing wall.