Cineworld to shut site at leisure complex in 2025

Cineworld's Castleford branch is based at the Xscape Yorkshire leisure complex

A cinema chain has announced it is set to close one of its flagship venues in West Yorkshire in the new year.

Cineworld said its 14-screen Castleford branch, at Xscape Yorkshire, will shut on 19 January after more than 20 years in business, with five others across the UK also closing.

The operator said the move was aimed at ensuring the "long-term future and profitability" of the company, with no details released about how many jobs will be lost.

Xscape Yorkshire said the complex was working with Cineworld "to try and find a solution which works for all those involved".

The other impacted branches are Leigh, Middlesbrough, Northampton, Poole and Weymouth.

Javier Sotomayor, president of Cineworld International, said the move "protects thousands of jobs across the UK and provides us with the financial stability to continue investing".

The cinema chain added that the closures, which form part of a "restructuring plan", were a "responsible and necessary decision for the business".

Cineworld entered administration in 2023 after suffering financial difficulties, though screens across the country stayed open.

The latest news follows six Cineworld closures announced by the company in July.

A spokesperson for Xscape Yorkshire said: "Cinema has long been the place where people want to experience film content at its most exciting and impactful and we believe that by enhancing the cinematic experience they will continue to create excitement for guests.

"We're focused on working with the best operators to create memorable experiences at Xscape Yorkshire and are looking forward to sharing details of what's coming next very soon."

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