Wolverhampton’s new city centre cinema will be called the ‘Lockworks Cinema’ – it has been revealed.

Experienced independent commercial operator, PDJ, is currently converting the 8,000sqft council-owned space from an out-dated two-screen venue to a newly refurbished, state-of-the-art four-screen cinema.

They have chosen the new name in tribute to the heritage of the venue’s home within the historic and award-winning Grade II-listed Chubb Building - once the headquarters of the famous Chubb Locks manufacturers.

Redevelopment works are ongoing, and the cinema is on course to open to the public ahead of the summer school holidays, with PDJ recruiting locally for the three permanent and 20 part-time jobs being 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).

PDJ and the council are making a £2million joint investment in the critical refurbishment and fit-out programme 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.

Ahead of opening, PDJ will be active on Facebook as Lockworks Cinemas and on Instagram as @lockworkscinemas

James Jervis, Director at PDJ Management, said: "We are absolutely delighted with the progress so far on the site.

“Wolverhampton will have one of the very best boutique style, luxury cinemas in the country right in the heart of the city centre at an affordable price point.

“We can’t wait to throw open the doors and welcome all film lovers before the start of the summer school holidays.

“We will have a fantastic line up of films, from Superman to Smurfs and everything in-between. We’ll be bringing the best of what cinema can offer with blockbusters and independent film so there is something for everyone.”

Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, said: “PDJ’s transformation of this cinema space will deliver an exciting, affordable luxury offer in our city centre.

“PDJ are suitably qualified cinema and entertainment experts and have a sound and sustainable plan that will further enhance our arts, culture and entertainment offer for residents and visitors to Wolverhampton.

“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: “Alongside the new cinema, the city centre will also be boosted by the imminent opening of a new leisure hub at the Mander Centre - anchored by Superbowl UK – and a new indoor climbing facility coming to the former Express & Star offices in Queen Street.

“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 is also working 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.”