New multi-million pound cinema 'key to Walsall's future'
A new multi-million pound cinema in Walsall is a 'key piece in the jigsaw' of regenerating the town centre, according to council bosses.
The scheme has been hailed as work on the eight-screen Light Cinema complex at Walsall Waterfront nears completion.
It is due to open early next year as part of an overall £12 million project which will also include Hungry Horse, Bella Italia, Pizza Express and Chiquitos.
Walsall Council's deputy leader, Councillor Adrian Andrew, said the latest scheme was another key piece in the jigsaw of regenerating the town. Premier Inn has already opened at the Waterfront boasting 100 bedrooms and a restaurant, while 300 homes were built several years ago.
Councillor Andrew said: "The £65m Waterfront development has been a resounding success so far, regenerating 17 acres in the town and creating hundreds of jobs in the process. There aren't many towns in the UK that can boast the same degree of regeneration as Walsall.
"Kier and its contractor G F Tomlinson, together with The Light are committed to completing the project on time in early 2016."
Kier is expected to complete its handover to the tenants next month so the building can be kitted out to open.
They are also in advanced negotiations over a fifth unnamed tenant for the final available unit.
Walsall's last town centre cinema closed in 1993 to make way for the regeneration in Park Street. The venue was replaced by the building at the top end of the town now occupied by Poundland and Pure Gym near the New Art Gallery.
Plans were also approved for another cinema off Littleton Street but the scheme has failed to get off the ground.
It comes as a series of regeneration projects have been carried out or are being planned in the heart of the borough.
The Old Square Shopping Centre has been given a revamp which includes Primark opening its doors as part of the first phase of the £21m transformation, creating 150 jobs. Further work which includes a new entrance is being proposed in the future.
A £12m retail development is also in the pipeline at St Matthew's Quarter, off Lower Hall Lane.
It has already attracted big names such as Poundland and B&M and expected to create around 200 new jobs.
The town has already attracted investment in the last decade which has seen Walsall College open a new campus and then create a sports and business hub.
