Curtains will open on Walsall’s Vue cinema scheme

WALSALL town centre will have its first film theatre for two decades after contracts were exchanged between a developer and cinema operator.

Worcestershire based developer Cordwell Property Group is behind the £12m scheme known as The Littleton Centre which will also contain space for restaurants and other retail units.

Cordwell has confirmed that a nine screen Vue cinema will open in Littleton Street, next to the Tesco superstore, in Spring 2015.

Construction is due to begin early this year and the project will help create around 200 jobs.

Together with the signing of Vue, Cordwell have also exchanged a development and funding agreement with London-based partner Bride Hall.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Walsall Council’s deputy leader and portfolio holder for regeneration and transport said: “This is fantastic news. We’re delighted that we’ve been able to contribute to securing this cinema in Walsall town centre, the first for 20 years.

“I’d like to congratulate Cordwell and Vue Cinemas for working together with partners to bring this about.

“The job creation for local people is great to hear and will complement other projects that support our ongoing economic regeneration of the town centre.”

Tom Wilcox, development director of Cordwell, said a contractor to build the new cinema will be appointed in the near future.

“We are obviously delighted to finally get Vue signed up, as well as having Bride Hall as our partner to ensure this project delivers,” he said.

“In addition to this we have nearly half of our ground floor restaurant space under offer, in legals, and we envisage the remaining units will see strong take up following this positive news.”

Walsall’s last town centre-based cinema closed in 1993 after being housed in the old Woolworths building at the top of Park Street.