A MAJOR cinema chain is closing a much-loved branch within weeks and customers are devastated.
The popular Cineworld branch in Hengrove Leisure Park, South Bristol, is set to be demolished to make way for a housing estate.
To make matters worse for locals, this is also the last standing cinema in the area – and it will be gone forever on November 26.
Developers AEW have permission to build 350 new homes in place of both the Cineworld multiplex, and the bingo hall beside it, as reported by BristolLive.
A Cineworld spokesperson said: “After years of providing movie-lovers in Bristol with a place to feel more, we have made the difficult decision to close Cineworld Bristol.
“The cinema will remain open until November 26, showing a wide range of film releases.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our movie-loving customers who have chosen to visit Cineworld Bristol over the years.”
Film fans were originally set to lose their much-loved cinemas in 2022, after AEW gained planning permission in September 2021.
AEW’s Micahel Shears spoke at a council meeting and said: “The proposal is to redevelop an unused brownfield site into a vibrant new neighbourhood, designed to encourage walking and cycling.”
Their application was given the green light by eight of nine committee members on Bristol City Council.
However, some argued the loss of leisure facilities would be detrimental to the new residents – with 1,500 other homes also due to be built close by.
Cllr Sarah Classick argued: “We acknowledge the need for housing in Bristol. However, with 1,500 homes set to be built on the adjacent site of Hengrove Park, the loss of leisure facilities will have a significant impact on the new community developing in the area.”
Meanwhile, Cllr Paul Goggin, said: “It is unfortunate that South Bristol is losing these leisure facilities but these are commercial forces, they aren’t controlled by the council, so I’ll be supporting the application as it contains so much affordable housing.”
It comes after the huge cinema chain revealed it expects to come out of bankruptcy protection in July, after receiving backing from lenders.
The chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US last year due to giant debts and loss of revenue.
Meanwhile, a UK cinema chain has fallen into administration and will close multiple sites immediately.
Empire Cinemas operates 14 locations across the country with 129 screens.
A total of six sites will close with immediate effect, including two under the Tivoli brand.
Plus, major cinema chain Odeon has also been forced to shut down several branches.
The movie giant is bringing the curtain down on five of its cinemas forever.
The branches closing are:
