New cinema in Wolverhampton's Chubb Building gets the green light with work to start in January

Experienced independent commercial operators PDJ will be converting the 8,000 sq ft council-owned space from an outdated two-screen venue into a newly refurbished four-screen cinema.

PDJ already runs successful cinemas in Worthing, Kings Lynn and Lytham St Annes, and recently reopened the former Empire and Odeon Cinemas in Walthamstow and Sutton Coldfield. The company hopes to open the new Chubb cinema to the public in late spring 2025.

It and Wolverhampton Council will be making a £2 million joint investment in the critical refurbishment and fit-out programme and entering 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, with three permanent and 20 to 25 part-time jobs created.

James Jervis, a 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), which oversees a range of businesses already within the buildings, on the scheme.

They say 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, 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, 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 - 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, MIA chairman, said: “As landlords, we 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.”