A CINEMA in Kidderminster saved from permanent closure has undergone a major transformation and is set to open next month.

Following Reel’s shock announcement in March last year that they were closing the Green Street site, film fan James Anderson Brown, founder of The Mockingbird Cinema in Birmingham, and Anthony Hughes and Eddy Morton, founders of Stourbridge Community Development Trust, stepped in to prevent the cinema from being lost for good.

The refurbishment of the site, now called Lume Cinema, is in its final stages and owners have said they hope to open its doors on September 17.

The project to get the new cinema up-and-running has been hit by several setbacks, mainly due to the nationwide lockdown.

A Crowdfunder page was set up to help make ambitious plans for the Lume Cinema a reality, giving film fans rewards such as tickets, wine and snacks, or a private screening with champagne in exchange for their donation.

One improvement made by the management was to stagger the seating - which has now been completed by specialists.

Co-founder James Anderson Brown said: "Covid has delayed us massively. We aimed to open when Bond was going to be released last November.

"All the films were moved and we went into lockdown again.

"We didn't want to rush and make it not as good as we wanted it to be."

Kidderminster Shuttle: James Anderson Brown, Anthony Hughes and Eddy Morton - directors of Lume Cinema outside the former Reel CinemaJames Anderson Brown, Anthony Hughes and Eddy Morton - directors of Lume Cinema outside the former Reel Cinema

People will be able to watch upcoming blockbusters including Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Dune, and more. 

The cinema will also host themed events, including Grease and Dirty Dancing singalong screenings for fans of the musicals.

Mr Brown added: "We'll be putting on all the new releases as well as event screenings. Hopefully we want to give something to everyone.

"The response we have had has been absolutely amazing.

"People have really engaged with it.

"I would like to thank everyone for their support.

"We couldn't have done it without those people."

The Green Street cinema originally opened in 2006 as the Warehouse Cinema before becoming a Reel venue, converted from a former derelict carpet warehouse.