Cineworld Closes Six More UK Cinemas as Restructuring Plan Concludes
Major UK Cinema Chain Completes Controversial Restructuring
Cineworld, one of the UK’s leading cinema operators, has announced the closure of six additional multiplexes as its controversial restructuring plan reaches completion. The sites set to close are in Castleford, Leigh, Middlesbrough, Northampton, Poole and Weymouth. The latter will shut on December 30 whilst the other five sites will be closed on January 19.
Understanding the Restructuring Plan
Cineworld had its restructuring plan approved by the court in September which saw rent cuts imposed on the cinemas’ landlords and underperforming sites axed. The total number of Cineworld closures is now 11. The restructuring follows the company’s emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States, where it successfully reduced its debt burden and secured new financing.
Cineworld still has around 90 cinemas in operation including its Picturehouse sites. The company has also implemented changes to its popular Unlimited membership programme, with subscription prices increasing by £2 per month to support ongoing operations.
A Brighter Future for British Cinemas
Despite the closures, Cineworld’s leadership remains optimistic about the company’s future. 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.”
The restructuring represents a significant milestone for Cineworld after navigating pandemic closures and bankruptcy proceedings. In July 2025, Regal Cineworld Group announced the successful completion of a repricing of its $1.9 billion term loan facility. For cinema-goers and industry observers, these changes signal Cineworld’s determination to remain a major player in the UK entertainment landscape whilst operating on a more sustainable financial footing.