BRADFORD’s newest cinema had its world premier this afternoon - and it is hoped the venue could help kick start the city centre’s evening economy.

The Light Cinema is based in a newly built extension of The Broadway Shopping Centre, and includes six screens, all with luxury reclining seats. Patrons will also be able to order drinks, including ales from Saltaire Brewery, and food that they can take to their seats during screenings.

The cinema officially opened its doors this afternoon with local radio competition winners, representatives from local charities and businesses and members of the city council and police.

In the coming weeks it will be screening blockbusters including Deadpool 2, Avengers: Infinity War, and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.

It will also show live streams of Operas, concerts and theatre productions.

It is also able to offer flexibility programming for requests from local communities and societies and to support local film events and productions.

This is The Light's 10th cinema, and the company has another 10 under contract across the UK.

It is the third city centre cinema, joining Pictureville at the National Media Museum and Cineworld at Bradford Leisure Exchange.

Founder and CEO of The Light, Keith Pullinger, said: “We are a mainstream cinema, but a little bit more premium in how we fit the cinemas out

"It has a bit more personality and atmosphere, with the cafe, bar and social space. We're trying to life this whole area of the city.

"We feel that these days everyone has to up their game, whether it be retail or leisure, people's expectations are going up all the time. You really have to give people something extra.”

Still to open is a smaller screen, which will have an entrance on the other side of the building, near the former Veri Peri restaurant. Mr Pullinger said that screen would have about 20 seats and would be able for groups to hire.

He added: "Now is a good time to open, there is Deadpool 2 coming out next weekend followed by the next Star Wars film Solo and Jurassic World. Then over the summer holidays there will be plenty for kids. We want to encourage all ages to come here, and there will be different types of films at different times of day."

Ian Ward, General Manager of The Broadway, said: “One of the challenges is to drive the evening economy going forward. We've recently had more news about the former Odeon which means that is now going forward, and St George's Hall will be re-opening soon, and you have Sunbridge Wells and City Park, so things are going in the right direction.

"It is important we are recognised for more than just shopping, this lets us provide a more rounded offer. We need to give people a reason to come to the city other than just to shop, and this cinema is a perfect example of that."

On the ground floor level of the building there are a number of units that have planning permission for cafes, bars and restaurants. Currently there have been no official announcements, although Gourmet Burger Kitchen applied for an alcohol license for one unit in 2016, and Mexican food chain Tortilla has submitted a planning application for an extractor flue for another unit.

Mr Ward said: "Now the cinema is open we hope to be able to give more details on new businesses moving in soon. We hope these and the cinema will make the area more vibrant and make it come to life a bit more in the evenings."