THE new owners of the Northwick Cinema are hoping to welcome customers through the doors at the end of March for the first time in 10 years.

Worcester businessman David Gray and business partner Amanda Hiseman are turning the dilapidated cinema on Ombersley Road into a contemporary furniture store complete with organic deli.

Over the past couple of months, a steady stream of workmen have been carrying out repair works at the Grade II listed building to prepare for its transformation.

Now, Mrs Hiseman and Mr Gray are in talks with conservation officers to make sure the finishing touches are in keeping with the buildings Art Deco history.

"All the prep work has been finished inside and we're now in talks about the exact heritage shade of paint to use," Mrs Hiseman said. "It's an exciting time though. We've already been to some furniture fairs buying stock and there is going to be a really funky collection of things that are not available anywhere else in Worcester.

"We're champing at the bit to get it all finished and we are aiming to be open at the end of March."

The Northwick Cinema, which boasts an art deco interior and the last intact works by John Alexander, was built in 1938.

It was a bingo hall from 1966 to 1982 and then stood empty until 1991 when Ian Perks turned it into a live music venue. It finally closed in 1996.