Could Stafford's new cinema only have 400 seats?

The Express & Star understands, from a source close to the project, that the final build for the Riverside complex is now more likely to accommodate around 400 chairs and not the 800 stated in the plans from Jersey-based applicants LXB, which were approved by Stafford Borough Council.

With six screens earmarked it would mean an average of 67 seats per auditorium providing a much more intimate experience than film lovers were perhaps anticipating.

Odeon, which will become the operator of the venue when it is opened next year, would not confirm or deny what the seating numbers would be when asked.

Although the firm has now started referring to the forthcoming film house as a 'luxury cinema'.

A spokesman said: “We are thrilled to be bringing the ODEON experience to Stafford as part of an all-new luxury cinema.

"We’ll have plenty more exciting news to reveal in the coming months, so watch this space.”

The scheme, on the site of our old newspaper office, has already changed once from the original vision.

In 2015 LXB confirmed the internal layout had changed which saw the proposal increase from five screens and 700 seats to six screens and 800 seats.

Earlier this month Simons construction, delivering the venue, confirmed the building work is on track.

It is due to be finished in June while an opening date is yet to be confirmed.