First look at the new four-screen Wolverhampton city centre Lockworks cinema opening to the public on Friday
Wolverhampton's new Lockworks Cinema is opening to the public on Friday - take a sneak peek here, you'll be so impressed š
The leader of Wolverhampton Council Councillor Stephen Simkins has welcomed the new Lockworks Cinema which will open to the public tomorrow evening (Friday, July 11), saying it is a "wonderful addition to the city centre's nightlife landscape".
He was speaking at a glittering opening to invited guests of the state-of-the art cinema In the landmark Grade II listed Chubb Building in Fryer Street, which will feature four screens and has been developed to the tune of Ā£2m with three permanent and 20 part-time roles created.
Cinema operator PDJ Management has teamed up with the council and landlords Midlands Investment Limited to open the venue, which is expected to attract 130,000 visitors a year and boost the night-time economy. The cinema is opening to the public this Friday. The space was previously occupied by The Light House, an independent cinema and arts venue which closed in 2022 after 35 years.
Councillor Simkins referenced the city's motto "Out of Darkness Cometh Light" when speaking with enthusiasm at the opening, after sitting with others in one of the gold-and-black seats which adorn one of the four auditoriums.
He said: "People will see and hear the quality of the work which has been done to transform the building and create a wonderful venue where people will be able to watch all the latest films without having to leave the city centre.
"The sound is top notch, there is room for plenty of people to sit back, recline and relax, even the colour scheme is old gold and black, this place has been transformed from what it was in 2022 when the Lighthouse closed its doors for the last time.
"We have a massively experienced company in PDJ who have cinemas in other areas of the country and a successful one in Sutton Coldfield - they are a family run company and have spent time and money on this project - anyone who visits won't fail to be impressed.
"The people of Wolverhampton will support this venue I am sure and it will make memories for years to come."
The films that will be shown on the opening night are F1 The Movie, Jurassic World: Rebirth and Superman.
City development chief Chris Burden said: "This is a welcome addition to the city centre and will add to the opening of the new leisure hub at the Mander Centre, the success of the re-opening of The University of Wolverhampton at The Halls and it will operate alongside these, the Grand Theatre and other venues."
PDJ already operates cinemas in Sutton Coldfield, Worthing, Kings Lynnn, Lytham St Annes and London and visitors to the opening enjoyed trailers of films they will be showing in the coming months.
Director James Jervis said: "This is one of the most exciting projects we have undertaken yet in terms of the history of the building and the need to keep its unique features.
"We have worked long and hard to create a venue with four screens and bars and cafes outside where families and visitors can enjoy a film or just relax.
"Throughout the summer we will be showing all the major releases starting with Superman on Friday but with four screens there will be a real variety so there really will be something for everyone.
"We have done our homework and know Wolverhampton will be a successful venue for us - the city centre is going from strength to strength and this will be another piece in the chain which we are confident people will love."
Find out more and book your ticket to watch a film atĀ Lockworks Cinema.
