Community cinema expansion is 'historic moment'

The expansion of a community-owned arts centre which will offer more creative spaces has been described as a "historic moment" for the town by its chairman.

The Wellington Orbit, in Wellington, was set up by in a former bank after Telford and Wrekin Council bought it and provided funding for the site to be developed, and houses a cinema and cafe on its ground floor.

The expansion, in the building's first floor, will include a multi-purpose studio with specialist flooring, mirrors and ballet barres, as well as meeting spaces for local businesses and community groups.

The cafe will be extended to the first floor, along with an events space which will provide a gallery for local artists.

A "first look" weekend is being held on 6 and 7 June, for the public to view the new facilities.

The work has been made possible by investment from the council secured in 2023.

It saw £9.8m of central government funding awarded to support the town's wider economy, with a portion of the money allocated to the Orbit.

The site was originally earmarked to be in a former cinema called the Clifton, which closed in 1989 before being used as a furniture store until Dunelm Mill moved out in 2012.

It was then that a "Save the Clifton" group began, campaigning to turn it into a cinema and arts space, funding it by selling community shares, but the group failed to purchase or lease the building.

The group later acquired a lease on the former HSBC building, which opened as the Wellington Orbit in 2019.

"This is a truly historic moment for Wellington," said John McGregor, chairman of Wellington Orbit.

"This project started as a fight to save our town's cinematic heritage, and while the buildings have changed, the spirit of that 2012 campaign lives on.

"Delivering phase two provides the town with versatile, high-quality facilities it deserves."

He added: "As we grow, our goal is to not only host community initiatives but eventually help fund them, ensuring Wellington's local culture continues to thrive."

Councillor Angela McClements, cabinet member for leisure, tourism, culture and arts, said the refurbishment had more than doubled the size of the Orbit's current facilities.

"Creating a vibrant, cultural hub in the centre of Wellington will drive more footfall to the town's high street and complements the public realm works and the transformation of the historic Wellington Market which is well under way," she added.

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