Redevelopment works on Wolverhampton’s city centre cinema within the historic and award-winning Grade II-listed Chubb Building will start next month (January).
Experienced independent commercial operator, PDJ, will be converting the 8,000sqft council-owned space from an out-dated two-screen venue to a newly refurbished four-screen cinema.
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 and Odeon Cinemas in Walthamstow (Forest Cinemas) and Sutton Coldfield (Royal Cinema). They hope to open the Chubb cinema to the public in late spring 2025.
PDJ and the council will be making a £2million joint investment in the critical refurbishment and fit-out programme and entering into a 30-year lease, while 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, with three permanent and 20 to 25 part-time jobs created.
James Jervis, Director at PDJ Management, said: "We are delighted to be starting work on this exciting venture, bringing cinema back to the city centre once more. We feel this offering will add something new and exciting to the area, and will be offering the latest in cinema technology, from laser projection to Dolby powered sound with the comfiest seats available.”
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.
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 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 in the New Year.
“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.”
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 opening of a new leisure hub at the Mander Centre - anchored by Superbowl UK - in early 2025 and, 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.”
Andy Munro, Chairman of Midlands Industrial Association said: “As landlords, Midland Industrial Association are very pleased to welcome a top-class cinema operator like PDJ to the Chubb. They have a track record of operating in unique buildings and, as such, they should be a real asset both to the Chubb and Wolverhampton itself.”
