Cineworld: Tower Park, Poole cinema to close

Bosses at the cinema, which also recently announced it was going to close its other Dorset branch in Weymouth on December 31, said it is a “crucial step” to save the business. 

Poole Cineworld’s last day of trading will be January 19, 2025.

Cineworld has said closing the Poole branch, along with five others, addresses “unsustainable operating costs”. 

Cineworld has praised itself for “bolstering its financial position” by closing down the cinemas, resulting in additional funding, including £40 million in liquidity.  

Alongside this, the company is set to invest up to £35 million in capital expenditures, focusing on the refurbishment and enhancement of existing cinemas. 

Javier Sotomayor, president of Cineworld International, 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.” 

In 2016, the 16-screen multiplex at Tower Park was rebranded as a Cineworld after the announcement that it was one of five acquired nationwide in a £94million deal.

The troubled cinema staved off the threat of administration in September when a High Court judge approved the restructuring plans. 

The business, which is part of the world’s second-largest cinema chain, has struggled since the Covid pandemic as audiences have failed to return to previous levels. 

Cineworld, which also owns Picturehouse, entered administration in July 2023 – struggling with debt estimated to be almost £4 billion. 

The company had been trying to find a buyer for some or all of its sites but, after failing to do so, announced plans to close the six sites it deemed “commercially unviable”. 

Cineworld’s announcement will come as a major blow to Tower Park, which is currently undergoing a £2.5m refurbishment. 

Projects include improved pavements and walkways for visitors, high-level decorating and landscaping which will see much more greenery, LED lighting and extra seating.  

Bosses for Tower Park have said the eight-month phased project is expected be completed in spring 2025. 

Representatives of Tower Park have been approached for comment.