The Northern Light Cinema has opened its doors in Stretford town centre, marking a significant addition to the area’s growing food, drink, retail and leisure offering.
The independent three-screen venue officially launched on Friday 20 March, occupying a prominent position on Pinnington Lane at the heart of the town’s regeneration area, in what was once the covered Stretford Mall area.
With a total capacity of 150 seats across three screens, the cinema aims to provide a mix of new releases, family films, cult classics and community screenings.
Tiered seating, generous legroom and carefully planned sightlines have been incorporated to create an intimate and comfortable environment for audiences.
Accessibility has also been a key consideration. Each screen includes wheelchair spaces, while the Dolby Accessibility Solution enables hearing-impaired customers to access subtitles on personal devices.
Relaxed screenings, with reduced sound levels and adjusted lighting, will also be offered to ensure the venue is inclusive for all visitors.
Alongside its screening offer, the cinema includes a café bar serving locally sourced food and drink. The interior design combines soft lighting, contemporary materials and informal lounge areas, encouraging visitors to spend time in the space before and after screenings, or even pop in for a drink if they aren’t attending a screening.
A programme of regular and special events is also planned, including a Saturday morning children’s club, screenings of productions from the National Theatre, Royal Ballet performances, and exhibition screenings such as Turner and Constable.
The Northern Light Cinema group have existing Greater Manchester locations in Sale’s Stanley Square and at The Savoy in Heaton Moor.
Chris Houghton, Head of Retail & Leisure at Bruntwood, said: “Northern Light Cinema brings an exceptional new cultural destination to Stretford town centre. The cinema creates a welcoming and contemporary space and adds a vibrant cultural offer to the area.”
Tony Mundin, founder of Northern Light Cinema, added: “The opening of our cinema marks another important step forward in Stretford’s ongoing transformation.
“Our venue will bring energy to the town centre and offer a vibrant, welcoming hub for the whole community.”
Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council, said: “We are delighted to welcome this new cinema to Stretford. Supporting arts and heritage is central to the Council’s priorities, and this cinema is a strong example of that commitment.
“It strengthens the town’s cultural offer, supports the local economy, and enhances Stretford as a vibrant destination.”
As part of The StretFest 2026 celebrations on Saturday 28 March, Northern Light Cinema will host a day of family-friendly screenings, as well as an opportunity at 1:30–2:30pm for the public to view the screens.
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