Cineworld confirms the closure of 6 cinemas in the UK

In what should be a festive weekend for cinemas with the release of the huge blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine, Cineworld has confirmed the sad news that it is closing 6 UK cinemas.

Cineworld cinemas in Glasgow Parkhead, Bedford, Hinckley, Loughborough, Yate and Swindon Circus will close in the coming months.

The announcement follows reports that Cineworld was planning a restructuring plan that also aims to see them renegotiate leases for a further 50 venues. The remaining 25 theaters are said to be safe.

A consultation process will now continue with employees at the six sites to close, with Cineworld saying it will offer as many redeployment opportunities as possible.

The company also announced plans to reduce market rent at several UK sites in a bid to return Cineworld to profitability.

A Cineworld spokesman said: “We are implementing a restructuring plan that will provide our company with a strong platform to return to profitability, attract further investment from the group and secure a sustainable long-term future for Cineworld in UK”.

Cineworld’s restructuring plan will now go before the court, and if approved, the trial will come into force in September. The company says the total number of locations affected by the restructuring plan will not be known until the process is complete.

Last month, it was announced that three Picturehouse cinemas – a cinema chain also owned by Cineworld – would be closing.

The Picturehouse cinema in Fulham Road closed on July 11, while cinemas in Stratford East and Bromley will close on July 29 and August 1 respectively.

In September 2022, Cineworld filed for bankruptcy protection in America, with Bloomsberg UK reporting that the company was seeking help to pay off “almost $9 billion in debt and leases built up as part of an acquisition spree”.

Since then, two Cineworld sites have closed in Runcorn and Bristol, both ceasing to trade on 26 November 2023.

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