Colchester Cineworld at Northern Gateway not going ahead

The earmarked cinema at the multi-million-pound leisure park had been thrown into doubt following Cineworld’s ongoing financial issues.

Colchester Council has now revealed the anticipated cinema will not be able to proceed with its lease at the site due to its financial restructuring.

Discussions are "already underway" to find an alternative cinema operator, the council said.

It further added that following Cineworld’s restructuring, some restaurant tenants due to come to the leisure park have "opted to delay their fit-outs until the future of the cinema site is confirmed".

"Interest in the site, including other leisure and restaurant offers, has been highly encouraging, and we are optimistic about its long-term potential to benefit both the community and the local economy," the council said.

Issues - Four companies which form part of troubled cinema operator Cineworld had restructuring plans approved last month (Image: Matt Crossick/PA Wire)

Four companies which form part of troubled cinema operator Cineworld had restructuring plans approved by a High Court judge at the end of last month, staving off the threat of administration.

Cine-UK Ltd, Cineworld Cinemas Ltd, Cineworld Cinema Properties Ltd and Cineworld Estates Ltd, which are parts of the UK arm of the cinema chain, were at risk of entering administration if the restructuring was not approved, the court heard.

The approval of the plans will see the four companies renegotiate the leases of some of their more than 100 sites, five of which are now set to close due to being “commercially unviable”.

The planned new site in Colchester was announced as part of Northern Gateway project just off the A12 back in 2021.

It was planned to feature 12 screens as well as a Starbucks concession.

Dream - a previous mock up of the Cineworld site at Northern Gateway revealed when the plans were announced (Image: Colchester Council) Deputy leader and portfolio holder for resources Mark Cory said: “We have to be realistic, this is not the ideal situation for us, especially following Covid and the writers’ strikes, which have contributed to Cineworld’s issues.

"However, we have been aware of Cineworld’s issues for some time and are prepared for the next steps.

“I was at Hollywood Bowl on Saturday, and it was busy with people having a great time. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for the cinema site and the early interest we’ve received from other providers.

"Our priority is to engage with the community and find a suitable provider who can bring a fresh entertainment offering to Colchester.”