The newly refurbished four-screen venue, inside the historic Grade II-listed Chubb Building, screened its first films on Friday, July 11, and continues to deliver the latest Hollywood blockbusters and more.
Experienced independent commercial operator, PDJ, converted the 8,000sqft council-owned space from an out-dated two-screen venue to a state-of-the-art facility, providing a luxury offer to movie-goers at affordable prices.
They have recruited locally for the three permanent and 20 part-time jobs created.
PDJ also 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 made a £2million joint investment in the critical refurbishment and fit-out programme of the Lockworks Cinema and entered into a 30-year lease.
James Jervis, Director at PDJ Cinemas, said: “Reaching 30,000 visitors in our first six months is a fantastic milestone for everyone involved and really underlines the appetite for a high-quality cinema experience in Wolverhampton city centre.
“We’re incredibly proud to have brought the Lockworks Cinema to life within the historic Chubb Building, creating a modern, welcoming venue that offers great value while respecting the character of the space.
“The support from the city and our customers has been tremendous, and we look forward to continuing to work with the council and other local businesses to make the cinema a key part of the city’s growing cultural and leisure offer. If you haven’t been already, we look forward to welcoming you soon.”
Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “These figures for the first six months of the new Lockworks Cinema are hugely encouraging and it is fast becoming a major attraction in our visitor economy.
“It is all part of our city centre transformation, creating new destinations, better public spaces and inner-city living opportunities, coupled to a broader entertainment and events programme.
“The cinema, working alongside popular venues like the art gallery, Grand Theatre and University of Wolverhampton at The Halls, will all drive footfall to support local businesses.”
The council also worked closely with the Chubb Building landlord, Midlands Industrial Association (MIA), who oversee a range of businesses already within the buildings, to bring forward the cinema scheme.
Keep an eye on the www.lockworkscinema.co.uk website for details on film releases and tickets. You can also check out Lockworks Cinemas on Facebook and @lockworkscinemas on Instagram.
