A manager has been selected for Walthamstow’s first nine-screen, purpose-built cinema.

Adam Root will take charge of the Empire Cinema when it opens to the public in November on the site of the former Arcade shopping centre.

The cinema will be able to seat up to 1,200 people at a time.

Shops, 121 new homes and restaurants will also be on the site as part of a multi-million pound investment in Walthamstow Town Centre.

Empire will also create a number of job opportunities for the local community, with up to 40 positions being recruited ahead of launch.

Mr Root began working for Empire in Basildon in 2009 and moved to work in Bishops Stortford.

He has 17 years experience said he is ‘delighted’ after being offered the post.