Eight firms submit bids to run city centre cinema
Google- Eight formal submissions have been received from a range of operators hoping to take over a cinema in Wolverhampton city centre
- The two-screen cinema in the Chubb Buildings was previously operated by the Light House for 35 years
- It is hoped a new operator will be selected by this summer
Eight firms have put in bids to run a city centre independent cinema after it closed last year.
The Light House, based in the Grade II-listed Chubb Buildings in Wolverhampton, ceased trading in November after a 35-year stint in the city.
The council says it has received "strong interest" from companies hoping to take over the creative arts venue on Fryer Street.
A shortlist of bidders will now be put together to select the new operator.
The City of Wolverhampton Council says the aim is for a new cinema or creative arts operator to take over the running of the two-screen, 6,625sq ft (615 sq m) space by this summer.
"The positive response we have had to our call out for expressions of interest shows there is a strong appetite for this city centre leisure opportunity, " said councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, the council's cabinet member for Visitor City.
He added: "We are determined to bring the space back into use as a cinema, creative arts or performance space as quickly as possible with an operator that can provide a sustainable offer."
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