Entertainment venue to create dozens of jobs as part of town centre regeneration

Independent cinema chain, The Light, is opening what it describes as its “most ambitious project to date.”

It will launch a cinema and entertainment venue in Huddersfield’s Kingsgate Shopping Centre on 11 April.

The venue, covering 70,000 sq ft and set over three floors, offers 15 different leisure activities, a premium arcade from SEGA, a six-screen cinema alongside a kitchen and bar offer.

Leisure highlights include bowling and skittles, a StarQuest Laser experience and Adventure Climb offering 26 different climbs, including the Giant Staircase, Leap of Faith, rock face and race walls.

Adventurers who want to take to the sky can take on the High Ropes challenge with 36 different obstacles.

Other activities include a film-themed 10-hole mini golf course, featuring an animatronic dinosaur, Electric Shuffleboard, Interactive Darts, Axe Throwing, Curling, Batting Cage and a new interactive football experience.

The venue will offer a range of freshly made food and drinks including pizzas, burgers, platters and a selection of main meals and snacks.

It is part of the transformation of the Kingsgate Shopping Centre, a key component of the Huddersfield Blueprint, Kirklees Council’s regeneration plan for the town. The Light will bring over 90 part-time and full-time jobs to Huddersfield.

James Morris, The Light CEO, said: “We are really proud to be part of the regeneration in Huddersfield. This site is a major milestone in our development, delivering on our ambition to bring exceptional entertainment experiences across the UK, made possible by the support of Peter Everest at Kingsgate, Risk Capital Partners and Barclays.

“This venue is really special, combining our fantastic cinema offer with a unique range of leisure activities to offer something for all ages.

“We can’t wait to welcome the local and wider communities to our venue to experience the best in cinema and entertainment, and hope Huddersfield will become the new go-to destination for a great day (and night) out.”

Councillor Graham Turner, cabinet member for growth & regeneration at Kirklees Council, said: “The addition of the Light to Huddersfield is going to make a colossal difference to the range of events and activities available for people in the town centre, and I’m thrilled we’ve helped deliver this new leisure space for Kingsgate.

“This offering is just what the town needs right now, and will give people more reasons for people to visit Huddersfield and explore not just this but everything the town has to offer – and that extra footfall will be fantastic for other local businesses.

“This redevelopment is also proof that partnership working is key to delivering our blueprint plans, both in Huddersfield and right across Kirklees.”

Jonathan Hardy, Kingsgate Centre manager, added: “This significant development not only enhances our centre but also contributes to Huddersfield’s evolving landscape.

“By having a range of diverse leisure activities for all ages, we will provide a unique destination that attracts visitors and supports our retailers and restaurants.

“This is a pivotal moment for Kingsgate and the town, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our community.”