Cineworld to close down six more branches across the UK

The cinema chain confirmed these sites will shut after landlords chose to reclaim their properties.

These closures come as the latest development in Cineworld’s efforts to address what the company has described as unsustainable operating costs.

In an update today, Cineworld confirmed its restructure plans are now complete – but announced six more branches would close after landlords chose to reclaim their properties.

The latest closures follow five previous Cineworld sites that ceased operations in October 2023.

These earlier closures included cinemas in Glasgow Parkhead, Bedford, Loughborough, Yate and Swindon Regent Circus.

The cinema chain says it has gained access to £40million in liquidity as a result of its restructure, and will invest up to £35million in refurbishing its existing cinemas.

The chain’s restructuring efforts have focused on securing the long-term future and profitability of its UK operations.

The plan has included various cost-saving initiatives, with a particular emphasis on reducing rents to market level at several UK sites.

The closures come despite UK cinemas currently enjoying a strong performance at the box office.

Recent blockbusters have drawn significant audiences, with Wicked earning £37.7million to date.

Other successful releases include Moana 2, which has generated £21.5million, and Gladiator 2, bringing in £26.6million.

Commenting on the restructuring plan, Javier Sotomayor, President of Cineworld International, emphasised its positive impact on the company’s future.

He said: “The successful completion of our Restructuring Plan, achieved with the crucial support of our landlords, protects thousands of jobs across the UK and provides us with the financial stability to continue investing in delivering extraordinary experiences for our valued customers.

“This milestone sets the stage for a brighter future, enabling Cineworld to continue sharing joy in communities across the UK for many years to come.”