OLDHAM-based leisure contractor Medlock FRB has begun fitting out a new venue in the centre of Manchester for Everyman Cinemas in a £1.3 million project.

It is due to open in the autumn at Allied London’s Enterprise City development.

The boutique three-screen cinema will occupy 10,500 sq ft at the former Astley & Byrom House in the ABC Buildings near Spinningfields and will provide a total of 248 seats.

The venue will include a bar, a 70-seater restaurant and a snug area. Original 1960s features of the building are being retained.

As well as screening the latest blockbusters, the cinema will show classics of yesteryear and host live arts events.

There will be sofas for two people, and wide, single-person armchairs. Customers will be able to have food and drinks delivered to their seats.

Everyman Cinemas is the latest client in the sector for Medlock, which has previously completed projects for Reel Cinemas, Curzon Cinemas, Empire Cinemas and Cineworld Group.

Dan Lewis, project director at Medlock, said: “We are thrilled to expand our client base in the cinema sector by being appointed to create a new boutique venue in Manchester for Everyman Cinemas.

“It is exciting to see the sector flourish, and we are delighted to be playing our part in this growth.

“Medlock FRB has a successful history of delivering cinemas on time and to a high quality. It is great to see the hard work of our team of highly-skilled individuals paying off with repeat business and further secured projects.”

Medlock FRB, headquartered in Greengate Street, Glodwick is a fit-out, refurbishment and build contractor which specialises in the leisure and hospitality sectors. The company operates throughout the UK, carrying out projects ranging in value from £10,000 to £5 million.

Alongside its purpose-built headquarters the company has a 20,000 sq ft bespoke facility where it manufactures joinery, metalwork and glass products for clients. Medlock FRB is owned by its management team and employs more than 60 staff.

Everyman is an independent network of boutique cinemas .

Currently formed of 28 venues, Everyman is also the fastest-growing independent network in the UK, with new venues set to open in Cardiff, Wokingham, Kings Road Chelsea and Edinburgh.