'Real boost' for town centre as work starts on new boutique cinema in Captain Cook Square

Work has started on a new cinema in Captain Cook Square, bringing another addition to the town centre's leisure offerings.

The cinema is currently being fitted out at a two-storey unit, previously occupied by retailers That’s Entertainment. The operator of the complex has not yet been confirmed but it is anticipated to open next summer.

Middlesbrough Council bought Captain Cook Square in 2020 and aims to transform shops into leisure and hospitality outlets. The cinema is part of the wider Future High Street Fund programme and is funded by the Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA).

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Cllr Theo Furness, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for regeneration, welcomed the latest development. “The businesses that have already opened in Captain Cook Square have had such a huge impact on our town centre and I know this development will only add to that," he said.

"This cinema won’t just offer blockbusters and popcorn but will be something different to what's already available elsewhere in the area. It's exciting to see something new in Middlesbrough – and to add a cinema alongside the restaurants and other leisure outlets will be real boost. I look forward to seeing the project progress.”

The plans for the cinema were approved by Middlesbrough Council's planning committee in April 2023. It will join the Level X gaming centre, Play Factory and InflateSpace at Captain Cook Square as leaders aim to bring more people into town with leisure attractions.

Middlesbrough Council has appointed Walter Thompson Contractors Ltd from Northallerton as the main contractors. Sub-contractors including Tom Willoughby Ltd from Northallerton as well as Twin Services Ltd and SP Electrical Contractors Ltd, both from Stockton.

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