Cinema weeks away from return

Cannock will have a cinema back within weeks after a town developer revealed plans to reopen the venue.

The former Picturehouse, on Walsall Road, which is 95 years old, closed down four years ago.

However, it is set to be transformed by developer Fred Pritchard and renamed The Electric Palace Picture House.

Work has already started to transform the cinema which had been gutted by a fire while it was standing empty.

Mr Pritchard says he has been talking to three cinema operators and is confident a deal will be struck to have the venue open within two months.

It will have a traditional art-deco feel and will house three screens. The first will seat 250 people and could be turned into a 3D screen. The second will house 180 people and the third will seat around 100 people.

There will be luxury reclining seats and a sitting area with sofas. It will also be licensed to serve food and alcoholic drinks.

There will also be a James Bond themed café and bar and conference facilities.

The cinema is set to be the first stage of the Avon Plaza project which could eventually include a bowling alley, shops and restaurants.

Mr Pritchard, head of Pritchard Group Plc, said its reopening would be a massive boost for the people of Cannock.