Cinema welcomes 30,000 visitors since opening

An independent cinema has attracted 30,000 visitors since opening six months ago.

Lockworks Cinema, inside the Grade-II listed Chubb Building in Wolverhampton city centre, opened to the public on 11 July after taking over space formerly occupied by The Light House cinema.

The 8,000 sq ft council-owned space was converted into a four-screen cinema by independent commercial operator PDJ Cinemas.

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

James Jervis, director at PDJ Cinemas, said reaching 30,000 visitors was a "fantastic milestone for everyone involved".

"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," he added.

"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."

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

Wolverhampton councillor Chris Burden added figures for the first six months of the new cinema were "hugely encouraging" and would help drive footfall to support local businesses.

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