Wolverhampton firm proves its star quality by saving cinema
A Wolverhampton business has stepped forward to try and save the city’s only independent cinema from closure.
Light House Media Centre, the city centre’s two screen cinema, café bar and gallery, was established in 1986 and transferred to the historic converted Chubb Buildings five years later.
The arts venue and registered charity has been campaigning for support over the past few years after revealing it was under threat of closure following various cuts to its grants and funding.
Health cash plan provider Paycare has now has come forward with an offer of significant support in the form of partnership investment, which will enable the venue to continue to operate and build new audiences.
It will also be able to maintain its current programme of contemporary films and streamed theatre shows, whilst developing family film seasons, new ideas and venue hire.
Kevin Rogers, CEO of Paycare, said: “As an organisation which has been based in Wolverhampton for over 140 years, we are hugely proud of our roots and are absolutely thrilled to be supporting such an iconic venue that has also been an integral part of the city for a number of decades.
“We are passionate about protecting and promoting everything that makes Wolverhampton such a fantastic place to live, work and play. With such a vital community asset as Light House tragically hit by crippling funding cuts, we jumped at the chance to partner with the team to help secure its future.
“Our support will not only enable Light House to continue to operate, but our ongoing partnership will ensure that it is able to truly thrive and prosper and retain its reputation as one of Wolverhampton’s most valued and treasured community landmarks.”
Light House CEO Kelly Jeffs said: “The support Paycare has announced will for the time being ‘save’ Light House. To operate long term we’ll continue to be heavily reliant on customer donations, but this corporate help has enabled us to stay open while we put our new business plan in place and we are hugely grateful.”
The venue’s new illuminated signage, paid for by customers who donated £5,000 to a Crowdfunding project, has been installed, helping to further safeguard the centre.
She added: “On behalf of the customers, board and staff of Light House, we’d like to thank Paycare for recognising how important we are to the city, and how we can be part of its cultural growth and the wellbeing of the city’s people. We’re very excited about working with such a forward-thinking, caring and personable organisation.”
