Deal Reached to Save Hinckley’s Only Cinema from Closure

A resolution has been reached to prevent the closure of the only cinema in Hinckley, Leicestershire. Cineworld had announced in July that its five-screen complex, located in The Crescent shopping centre, would be closing as part of a larger restructuring plan for the company.

However, a new deal has been negotiated by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, which owns the building, to keep the cinema operational. After weeks of uncertainty, Cineworld confirmed they were pleased to have agreed to terms that would allow the cinema, which first opened in 2015, to remain open for local residents.

Council leader Stuart Bray expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, emphasizing the importance of the facility to the town. “Not only does it safeguard the future of this great facility in Hinckley town centre,” Bray said, “but it also ensures the taxpayer continues to receive a rental income from Cineworld, which helps to fund our public services.”

The council revealed that they had received interest from several other national and independent cinema operators who had enquired about taking over the lease if Cineworld had gone ahead with its planned closure. Mr Bray highlighted this interest as proof of the cinema’s value to the local community, thanking the potential operators for their willingness to step in.

A spokesperson from Cineworld echoed the council’s sentiments, stating, “Following discussions with our landlords at Cineworld Hinckley, we are pleased that it will remain open.”

The cinema is seen as a key cultural and social asset in Hinckley’s town centre, and its continuation is likely to be welcomed by local residents.