Opening date for new city cinema announced

The date for the opening of a new independent cinema in Wolverhampton city centre has been announced.

Lockworks Cinema is taking over the space formerly occupied by The Light House, an independent cinema and arts venue which closed in 2022 after 35 years.

The much anticipated four-screen cinema will open to the public on Friday 11 July, after the 8,000 sq ft council-owned space was converted by independent commercial operator PDJ.

City of Wolverhampton Council said PDJ had recruited locally for the three permanent and 20 part-time jobs created.

PDJ and the council made a joint £2m investment in the refurbishment programme of the cinema and have entered into a 30-year lease.

The council claims the 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 £500,000 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 confident audiences will love what we've done with the cinema, and we're committed to delivering the very best experience for our customers."

City of 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."

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