Film / hengrove
South Bristol’s last remaining cinema set to close
The only cinema in south Bristol – Cineworld in Hengrove Leisure Park – is set to close.
The struggling cinema chain filed for bankruptcy protection in the US in autumn 2022 and went into administration to cut huge debts in July.
Developers have planning permission to demolish the cinema and the bingo venue close by as part of a “flagship” project to build hundreds of homes.
Now, after years of speculation, Cineworld has confirmed to cinemagoers the branch on Hengrove Way will close.
And so South Bristol loses its only cinema.
Fuck. pic.twitter.com/ZfgNaltO4K
— Timon Singh (@TimonSingh) October 6, 2023
“After years of providing movie-lovers in Bristol with a place to feel more, we have made the difficult decision to close Cineworld Bristol,” a spokesperson said.
“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.
“We hope to see you at one of our other nearby cinemas soon, including Cineworld Weston-super-Mare and Cineworld Yate.”
There are at least nine cinemas of some kind north of the River Avon, including the Orpheus Cinema in Henleaze – photo: Betty Woolerton
Reacting to the statement, an X user posted: “Wretched news. Leaves a great swathe of the city & an area already badly served for both arts & ents venues & public transport without easy access to a cinema. Site is earmarked for housing, too. Maybe they’ll name it Cultural Desert.”
South Bristol was once home to several cinemas which have all closed, from one in a converted town hall on Cannon Street, Bedminster, to Vandyck Cinema on Warrington Road, Brislington.
The closest cinema to Cineworld in Hengrove will be the Watershed overlooking the Floating Harbour – a 3.6 mile-cycle ride away.
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
Read next:
- Sadness as demolition of historic former cinema begins
- Goats move onto nature reserve in south Bristol
- Council to build 1,400 homes including hundreds of council houses on park
- 15 places in Bristol that once were cinemas
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