Basildon cinema: Vue to take over former Empire cinema complex

Vue Entertainment Ltd has struck a deal with Basildon Council to take over the vacant former Empire cinema, the council said

A deal that would see a major operator take over a loss-making vacant cinema has been struck, a council said.

Basildon Council said it had received a final offer from Vue Entertainment Ltd to purchase the empty Empire cinema in the Essex town.

The complex had been costing the local authority £60,000 a month after Empire went into administration in July 2023.

The revamped cinema would hold more than 300 people, with nine other screens with VIP and recliner seating.

"It is fantastic to get this project moving again," Conservative councillor Craig Rimmer said.

Empire Cinemas collapsed into administration in early July 2023

In a statement on Friday, the council said terms had been agreed and formal discussions started to negotiate a lease with Vue.

It added that an application to change the advertising sign on the cinema at East Square to Vue cinemas had been received.

A Vue spokesperson confirmed it was in formal discussions with the council and added: "We look forward to being able to share more information in due course." 

• Empty cinema complex costs council £60k a month

• Council takes back cinema site after chain collapse

• Empire Cinemas collapses into administration

Basildon Council decided to own and develop the East Square site, which is also home to Kaspas Desserts, Nando's, and Orleto Lounge, in 2017.

The development, including the cinema, cost £26.7m in 2017.

Following Empire's collapse last year, the BBC revealed the site was costing the local authority £60,000 a month.

This cost covered 24-hour on-site security, vacant unit insurance premiums, business rates, utilities and service charges.