Cinema 'not big enough'

Discussions with two operators to bring a four or six-screen development to the town have not been scuppered by last week's exclusive story about a private cinema plan, said Wyre Forest district councillor, James Dudley.

The cabinet member with responsibility for economic regeneration was speaking after Kidderminster solicitor, Simon Swaffield, told the Shuttle/Times & News he planned to convert a former warehouse in Green Street into a three-screen cinema.

Councillor Dudley said: "I welcome the idea but we really want something that is much bigger. One of the things we are looking for is a cinema integrated with leisure facilities so we have a balanced development."

The Conservative councillor for Sutton Park, who joined the cabinet after the Tories swept to power in June, said he was in talks with two operators and a design brief by consultants was expected in the new year.

He went on: "If his project is aimed at a niche market and targeted at particular segments of the audience then I think it is viable but I think he has to be careful if other cinemas were to be developed in the area."

Mr Swaffield - who is pumping his own money into the £400,000 project - said: "The Warehouse cinema would do no such thing and would aim to banish all competition after its projected February opening."

The Kidderminster resident said the building could be expanded to take on a fourth screen. Major conversion work starts on Monday.

He said: "I wouldn't like anybody to have the impression it is to be a small cinema club. It will be a proper 300-plus seater with the latest releases.

"If there is another cinema then no problem. At the end of the day, we are trying to provide a good quality cinema with up to date films and that will always attract people."

Next month's meeting of Wyre Forest District Council's planning (development control) committee is expected to consider the plan.