Wolverhampton's new look cinema is ready to open its doors in time for Superman - here's when you can visit the venue in the Chubb Building
The seats have arrived at Wolverhampton's revamped city centre cinema which is opening its doors to film fans.
The new super hero movie Superman will be the first showing at the former independent Lighthouse movie house which closed two years ago after more than three decades at the city's landmark Grade II listed Chubb Building in Fryer Street.
The newly refurbished venue will be opening the public on July 11 after new operator PDJ Management converted the council-owned space from a two-screen venue to a state-of-the-art four-screen cinema in a £2 million scheme.
PDJ director James Jervis said: "We’re incredibly excited to welcome film lovers back to Wolverhampton city centre from next week. We’re just adding the final touches as we prepare for lift-off with the opening of Superman on Friday July 11.
“Throughout the summer we’ll be showing all the major releases - and plenty more besides - so there really will be something for everyone. We’re confident audiences will love what we’ve done with the cinema, and we’re committed to delivering the very best experience for our customers. Follow us on social media and sign up on our website to be the first to know when tickets go on sale next week.”
The Sutton Coldfield based company said three permanent and 20 part-time jobs have been created as a result.
Wolverhampton Council leader Stephen Simkins said: “PDJ have delivered an exciting, affordable luxury offer in our city centre that will bring joy to thousands and thousands of movie-goers, young and old.
“It is all part of a transformation creating new destinations, better public spaces and inner-city living opportunities, coupled to a broader entertainment and events programme, to attract more visitors - helping both existing and new businesses to thrive and grow.”
Councillor Chris Burden city development chief said: “This is a massive investment by the council and PDJ in our city centre that puts Wolverhampton back at the heart of the cultural map. Alongside the new cinema, the city centre has also recently been boosted by the opening of a new leisure hub at the Mander Centre - anchored by Superbowl UK.
“Working alongside popular venues like the art gallery, Grand Theatre and University of Wolverhampton at The Halls this will all drive footfall to support local businesses.”
The council has worked closely with Chubb Building landlord Midlands Industrial Association to see the scheme come to fruition. Association chairman Andy Munro added: “The Midland Industrial Association is proud to be the landlords of this iconic Wolverhampton building and it is fitting that amongst the many creative businesses who are based at Chubb, the addition of a flagship cinema now forms an integral part of our Chubb community.”
PDJ operates cinemas in Sutton Coldfied, Worthing, Kings Lynn and Lytham St Annes and in London.
The business and the council pumped £2 million joint investment into the project under a 30-year lease agreement.
The new-look venue is predicted to attract up to 130,000 visitors a year and boost the local economy by £500,000 annually.
Visit the website to find out when the first tickets will go on sale.
