WORK to construct a cinema in Abergavenny is under way.

Independent cinema operators Peter and Irene Davies, who own the Coliseum Cinema in Brecon and the Palace Cinema in Haverford West, bought the old Drill Hall on Baker Street earlier this year with plans to open it as a cinema next year.

The Brecon-based couple are converting the Victorian building into a two-screen cinema with 300 seats.

"It’s great to see it taking shape," said Mr Davies, who has worked at the Coliseum for 30 years and owned it for 15.

"The builders came on site last month and work is progressing well. The old hall has been gutted and a dividing wall is being put in place," explained Mrs Davies.

"Owen Construction came on site in September. We’re trying to use as many local companies as we can and have set up a construction diary on our website so people can follow our progress as we go along," she added.

"We want people to see that it is going to happen and they will be able to watch films in town."

The façade will remain the same but the inside is being totally transformed in time for Spring 2010.

The couple will be showing the latest installment of the Harry Potter films next summer, but have yet to announce the cinema’s first-screening.

The business is expected to create two full-time and eight part-time jobs and will open between 10am and 11.30pm.

Log onto www.abergavennycinema.co.uk for details.