FILM lovers have revealed their heartbreak as yet another cinema in their city is set to close.
Bristol‘s Showcase Cinema de Lux in Cabot Circus will show its final film in a matter of weeks.
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The announcement of the closure comes just days before Cineworld in Hengrove Leisure Park is set to close its curtains for the last time.
Showcase will shut its doors at the branch for good on November 30, to the disappointment of locals.
Gordon Bottoms told BristolLive: “Can I be the first to register my dismay at the closure?”
“Many of the surrounding restaurants have clauses in their leases which assume that the multi-screen cinema is located in Cabot Circus and draws in the crowds.
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“Without this, it is likely that some of these restaurants would be forced to close and that Cabot Circus will lose much of its attraction as a shopping, eating and entertainment centre.”
When the news was shared to Facebook, many locals slammed the decision.
One person wrote: “It is the best cinema in Bristol.”
Another said: “This is terrible! We love that cinema.”
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One man wrote: “Another nail in the coffin.”
A source close to staff at the 14-screen cinema claimed ticket sales were slow to recover after the Covid lockdowns of 2020 and 2021.
They also said the final decision to shut up shop came after a rent increase by Cabot Circus to Showcase.
Crispin Lilly, Managing Director, Showcase Cinemas UK, told the BBC: “We would like to thank all the customers who have visited since we opened at Cabot Circus in 2008 and we hope they have enjoyed their time with us.
“We would also like to thank our committed team of employees at the site for their passion, dedication and hard work, especially over the last few difficult years.
“We are committed to delivering great cinema experiences to Bristol audiences and hope that customers will visit our other cinema in the city, less than three miles away at Avonmeads.”
Cabot Circus added: “The vision of Cabot Circus is to be a leading, multi-purpose destination that thrives in the heart of Bristol city centre.
“Social, cultural and entertainment uses are a key part of Cabot Circus, and we remain committed to providing a best in class, renewed cinema alongside other complimentary uses. We look forward to providing more updates soon.”
In October it was revealed the nearby Cineworld branch would shut up shop for good on November 26.
The building is set to be demolished to make way for a housing estate.
BristolLive said developers AEW have permission to build 350 new homes in place of both the Cineworld multiplex, and the bingo hall beside it.
Cineworld said: “After years of providing movie-lovers in Bristol with a place to feel more, we have made the difficult decision to close Cineworld Bristol.
“The cinema will remain open until November 26, showing a wide range of film releases.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our movie-loving customers who have chosen to visit Cineworld Bristol over the years.”
