Clydebank's Empire cinema saved from closure after Omniplex takeover

The Empire cinema in Clydebank will remain open after being taken over by Omniplex

A Scottish cinema has been saved from closure after being bought over by Irish cinema chain Omniplex.

The Empire in Clydebank was placed on the market in August, a month after the company entered administration.

The 10-screen site is one of five taken over by Omniplex Cinema Group in a UK expansion. Around 150 jobs will be saved as a result of the takeover.

The firm has promised a £22m investment towards refurbishing and updating the cinemas.

The Empire chain collapsed in July, resulting in the immediate closure of six locations following pressure on the cinema industry due to the pandemic and competition from streaming services.

• Lease deal agreed to save Edinburgh Filmhouse

• Cineworld screens stay open despite administration

The Clydebank cinema was listed as one of the operator's "profitable" sites and remained open as a new buyer was sought.

It is also known among cinema-goers for serving hot butter with its popcorn.

Omniplex operates 36 cinemas across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The firm will also take over cinemas in Birmingham, High Wycombe, Ipswich and Sutton.

Paul John Anderson, director of the Omniplex group, said: "We are thrilled to bring Omniplex cinemas to Great Britain.

"Our disciplined approach to investing in our businesses and unwavering drive to operate high-quality cinema locations have proved successful over the years on the island of Ireland and has given us the confidence to venture into new territories."