Walsall Town Centre could have its first cinema in 20 years after plans for two multi-screen cinemas were given the green light.

Walsall Council's planning committee approved plans for two multi-screen cinemas, one of which would be built opposite the Tesco store at Wisemore known as the Littleton Centre and the other on land south of Wolverhampton Street, adjacent to the new Premier Inn hotel.


Both developments are estimated to be in the region of £12m and will include new shops and retail space for cafes, restaurants and car parking.

Work on both sites is expected to start in autumn this year.

Midland-based Cordwell Property Group is behind the Littleton Centre development, a 9 screen Digital Vue Cinema with capacity for around 1,100 seats and car parking. Around 200 jobs are expected to be created.

The second development, a 9 screen Odeon cinema is being led by property giant Kier Group plc, with space for two restaurants and car parking for around 200 spaces.

Over 250 jobs would be created as part of the proposed leisure-led development in one of the final phases of the Waterfront. Under the plans, a walkway on the northern side of the canal will also be landscaped.

(CD)