Our journey - Wellington Orbit

A decade of progress which despite facing multiple obstacles along the way, we continue to grow and be the cornerstone to Wellington's regeneration.

Full ownership of building secured thanks to Government funding

February 5, 2024

The acquisition of our building marks an exciting new chapter in our commitment to delivering a vibrant arts and cultural centre for the community of Wellington and beyond. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our members, customers, staff, volunteers, Telford & Wrekin Council and Wellington Town Council, all of whom have supported us on our journey.

Orbit WOW membership launched to the public

October 3, 2023

Following 2 years of development, we’re delighted to launch Orbit WOW, a membership scheme that gives value back to our customers for a small yearly fee. Learn more: www.wellingtonorbit.co.uk/wow/

Phase 2 project inception

September 14, 2023

The project inception meeting between our phase 2 team, Telford & Wrekin Council representatives & BiT took place in mid-September, marking the start of our phase 2 development journey. This follows the news earlier this year that we were successful under the Capital Regeneration Programme (CRP).

Orbit WOW membership launches to shareholders

July 10, 2023

As part of giving back and saying thank you to our supporters from the past decade, we announced our upcoming membership scheme called ‘Orbit WOW’. This will enable our supporters to gain benefits for a small yearly fee, and as a thank you, we waived the 1st year’s fee for existing shareholders. This scheme will launch publicly in the coming months.

Community research for phase 2

May 18, 2023

We launched a community survey to help gain views on what the next phase should consist of, ensuring plans remain in the best interests of the community.

Reached 1000 members

April 17, 2023

This achievement is a testament to the rapid and unwavering support from the community, and it marks a moment of reflection on the journey of Wellington Orbit from a simple idea to a thriving arts and cultural hub.

Orbit successful in Capital Regeneration bid

March 17, 2023

We learnt that we will be receiving a significant boost from the UK government’s Capital Regeneration Programme to refurbish the upper two floors of our building, enabling us to become a thriving cinema and arts centre.

Freehold acquired…

December 22, 2022

We successfully secured the freehold of 1 Station Road thanks to the support from the community and local councils.

Founder member Fiona Hunter passes

December 12, 2022

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our Founder Directors, Fiona Hunter, at the age of 74.

Live cinema launched

December 1, 2022

With the first event screening being the Nutcracker.

Social investment appeal launched

August 22, 2022

After just entering into a bid for the Levelling Up Fund (LUF), we moved to build the required match funding through a re-launch of our community share offer with the community. This gained coverage from BBC Midlands Today and other local press and proved popular.

Orbit Creators Network launched

January 18, 2022

In 2022 we ran a friendly and supportive group for creators from beginners to semi-professionals with a chance to break out of the bedroom and meet people with similar interests. This proved popular and we hosted many talks with people in the industry.

Kitchen garden launched

December 21, 2021

Awarded a grant of £1170 from Telford & Wrekin Council as part of their Climate Change fund. The funding assisted us to establish a kitchen garden at the back of our premises to bring the café menu ingredients closer to home.

First day one cinema screening with red-carpet weekend for James Bond

September 30, 2021

This event saw us host our first midnight screening at the iconic time of 0:07. We also hosted multiple red carpet evening screenings, limited-edition Aston Martin on display in the square, buffets and more. This was also our first day one release and proved popular.

‘Back to Cinema’ following lifting of covid restrictions

May 22, 2021

Following the lifting of initial covid restrictions, we continued our progress with a push in the cinema industry with the iconic DeLorean car on display in the local square to co-inside with screenings of Back to the Future. This event raised eyebrows both locally and across the independent cinema industry and brought the community together at a time it was needed most.

Temporary closure due to 3rd lockdown

January 1, 2021

In late December, we were put into further restrictions which resulted in a 3rd national lockdown.

Limited reopening following 2nd lockdown

December 1, 2020

Re-opened with social distancing and masks.

Temporary closure due to 2nd covid lockdown

November 1, 2020

In November 2020, a one month lockdown was announced which resulted in us temporarily closing our cinema and operating our cafe as just a takeaway.

Limited re-opening following initial covid restrictions

June 22, 2020

In July 2020, we re-opened with additional restrictions of social distancing which restricted our capacity in the cinema and cafe.

Covid 19

March 20, 2020

After less than 1 year of trading, we were forced to close temporarily due to the covid pandemic. During this time we continued our community support with care packages for NHS workers, operating as a takeaway only and hosted online virtual quizzes which proved popular.

Open for business…

May 11, 2019

First employee taken on

February 1, 2019

Phase 1 development begun

November 7, 2018

Work began to turn the first floor of the former HSBC building into a cinema and bistro cafe. Telford-based building firm McPhillips were appointed for this phase.

Launchpad opens

August 21, 2018

Lease acquired…

May 18, 2018

Change of use planning permission granted to CCAC

April 27, 2018

Project manager engaged to oversee the development

September 16, 2017

Negotiations commenced to obtain a lease on the HSBC building

September 1, 2016

Project direction changed

July 23, 2016

When the fight for the Clifton was ultimately lost due to uncertainty surrounding the site, the determination for the project to succeed never wavered. The vision remained and a team of determined individuals worked towards ‘Plan B’, re-stating its opinion that Wellington needs a dedicated centre for culture and the arts. This brought the project to the former HSBC building at 1 Station Road.

Bid to save the Clifton cinema

September 28, 2015

A petition signed by 2,700 protesters in a bid to save a former cinema was handed over to the council. The campaign received support from many in the community and also Only Fools & Horses actor John Challis, which raised over £32,000 to the fund.

Film screenings at Belmont Hall

April 30, 2014

To help build community interest, the steering group of the project ran a series of screenings at Belmont Hall which proved popular.

Initial Community Share Issue…

December 1, 2013

Every weekend almost without fail, directors and volunteers ran the stall in Wellington Market selling merchandise and shares; through their hard work, they gained support from over 600 shareholders.

‘Save the Clifton’ campaign started…

November 1, 2012

In 2012 a campaign was started to ‘Save the Clifton’ cinema in Wellington. The proposal was to re-open it with theatre, cinema and arts/community centre facilities. In 2013 ‘The Clifton Community Arts Centre Ltd’ was founded as a Community Benefit Society with its committee tasked with acquiring the premises and regenerating the facility for the community.