Wellington Orbit cinema raises £425k for expansion plan

The funds will allow the Wellington Orbit to purchase its freehold and look to develop its upper floor, staff say

An independent cinema has raised £425,000 to fully purchase its premises and start work on an arts centre.

The Wellington Orbit, in Telford, opened in a former bank in 2019 and was looking to find the funds to expand.

Wellington Town Council agreed to loan it £212,500, a sum supplemented by donations and grant funding.

"It solidifies the cinema and arts centre as a vital hub of renewal and growth," Wellington Orbit chairman Phil Morris-Jones said.

Having full ownership of the building on Station Road gave security, he added.

"The purchase of the freehold is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the community, volunteers and staff."

Office manager Sarah Chard said the Orbit community was like a family

The venue opened with a 63-seat cinema and a café, and expansion plans for the upper floor aim to create a performing arts studio and exhibition space.

Office manager Sarah Chard said the centre was consulting with the community on how to use the space.

"It's the Orbit family - people come in and they know that they're welcomed with a smile," she said. "There'll always be somebody here for them to talk to."

"The Orbit will never be finished. It will evolve as people in Wellington need different things," she added.

The funding from the town council was agreed in December after public consultation in 2021.

"We are delighted to provide the assistance to this excellent and much-needed, community-based organisation," councillor Stephen de Launey said.