There is just a week to go before Wolverhampton’s new city centre Lockworks Cinema opens to the public.
The newly refurbished four-screen venue, inside the historic Grade II-listed Chubb Building, will be showing its first films from Friday 11 July.
Keep an eye on the Lockworks Cinema website to find out when the first tickets will go on sale.
Experienced independent commercial operator, PDJ, has converted the 8,000sqft council-owned space from an out-dated two-screen venue to a state-of-the-art facility.
They have recruited locally for the three permanent and 20 part-time jobs created.
PDJ already run successful cinemas in Worthing (The Dome Cinema), Kings Lynn (The Majestic Cinema) and Lytham St Annes (Island Cinema), and recently reopened the former Empire Cinemas in Walthamstow (Forest Cinemas) and Sutton Coldfield (Royal Cinema).
They and the council have made a £2million joint investment in the critical refurbishment and fit-out programme of the Lockworks Cinema and have entered into a 30-year lease.
The new-look venue is predicted to attract up to 130,000 visitors a year to the city centre at full flow and boost the local economy by half-a-million-pounds annually.
James Jervis, Director at PDJ Management, 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 11th July.
“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.”
Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, 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 of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, added: “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 also worked closely with the Chubb Building landlord, Midlands Industrial Association (MIA), who oversee a range of businesses already within the buildings, on the scheme.
Andy Munro, Chairman of Midlands Industrial Association said: “Midland Industrial Association are 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.”
Check out Lockworks Cinemas on Facebook and @lockworkscinemas on Instagram.