Major Cineworld update issued ahead of six UK cinema closures this winter
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A major update has been issued ahead of the closure of six Cineworld sites in the UK. In an update date issued today, two of the six earmarked sites have now been taken over by fellow cinema chain Odeon. The struggling cinema chain announced earlier this year that five of its UK sites would close to prevent the chain from collapsing into administration. This month, Cineworld confirmed that another six sites would close for good in January as part of its restructuring plans. Overall, 11 Cineworld sites were set to close.
The closures announced this month would see Cineworld's site in Weymouth close for good on December 30, and the five others in Middlesbrough, Northampton, Castleford, Leigh, and Poole shut on January 19. However, Odeon will now take over the leases of the Middlesborough and Northampton sites.
One of Cineworld's largest landlords, Legal & General (L&G), confirmed the update today. The firm says its partnership with Odeon will "reimagine these locations" and introduce "significant upgrades" to deliver an "ultimate cinematic experience" for cinema-goers. L&G - which owns 14 Cineworld sites across the UK - says it is reaffirming its commitment to "enhancing community spaces and delivering world-class cinema experiences".
Cineworld's restructuring process impacted seven L&G sites, with the firm noting that it was able to secure new terms at five of its locations. However, it served notice to Cineworld at the Northampton and Middlesbrough sites. Once Cineworld's contracts end in February 2025, the locations will be refurbished and are set to reopen to the public as Odeon sites towards the end of the year. The official opening dates have not yet been confirmed by L&G.
