Council and Business Leaders Propose Deal to Save Hinckley’s Only Cinema

In a determined effort to prevent the closure of Hinckley’s sole cinema, council bosses and business leaders have put forward a proposal aimed at persuading Cineworld to reconsider its decision. The five-screen complex located in The Crescent, Hinckley, is among several Cineworld sites targeted for closure as part of a broader company restructuring.

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, along with the town’s business improvement district (BID), are spearheading the initiative to save the cinema, which has served the community since its opening in 2015. Despite the grim announcement, local authorities remain hopeful that their intervention will bear fruit.

Steve Wegerif, director of the Hinckley BID, expressed his dismay at the news, stating, “It’s a great concern, especially for the employees and for people who love going to the cinema. We are working very hard, together with the borough council, to fight this potential closure.”

The council, which owns the building housing the cinema, is preparing a comprehensive package aimed at convincing Cineworld to maintain its operations in Hinckley. “Because the borough council also owns the building, we will come up with a package which we hope they won’t say ‘no’ to,” Wegerif added.

While specifics of the proposal remain undisclosed, Wegerif assured the community that alternative plans are in place should Cineworld decline the offer. “If we can’t get Cineworld to keep it open, we will try to find another cinema company to move in. If we do end up with an empty unit, we will find a use for it. We are already on the case,” he said.

Council leader Stuart Bray echoed Wegerif’s sentiments, labeling the potential closure as “extremely sad and disappointing news.” Bray emphasized the council’s commitment to supporting Cineworld employees and safeguarding the cinema’s future. “We will work with our partners, including the Department for Work and Pensions, to provide help and advice to Cineworld employees at this worrying time and do what we can to help safeguard the future of this great facility for our residents and visitors,” Bray stated.

A spokesperson for Cineworld declined to comment on the specifics of the ongoing discussions with the council and other stakeholders. The company, which entered administration in July 2023, is grappling with a debt burden nearing £4 billion. As part of its restructuring efforts, Cineworld has proposed closing several sites, including its complex in Loughborough, and is in negotiations with landlords regarding new rent deals.

The restructuring plans require court approval, and during this period, Cineworld has assured that all its UK operations will continue at least until late September.

As the negotiations unfold, the Hinckley community remains hopeful that a solution can be found to keep their beloved cinema open, preserving not only a vital entertainment venue but also the jobs and local culture it supports.