An official closing down date has been revealed for a major cinema in Northampton which has been open for nearly three decades.

Cineworld has confirmed that its Northampton cinema in Sixfields will close for good on January 19, ending a 29-year run.

The Cineworld at Sixfields originally opened on December 15, 1995, under the MGM brand. It later changed ownership several times—first becoming a Virgin Cinema and then UGC in 1999. Finally, Cineworld took over the venue in July 2005 and rebranded it as part of their chain.

This closure is part of Cineworld’s broader restructuring plan aimed at improving the company’s financial health.

Cineworld is Sixfields is set to close its doors for good on January 19.

placeholder image — Cineworld is Sixfields is set to close its doors for good on January 19.

Cineworld President, Javier Sotomayor, 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."

As part of this plan, Cineworld will also close five other sites, including cinemas in Castleford, Leigh, Middlesbrough, Poole, and Weymouth. However, the company is focusing on improving its remaining cinemas and investing £35 million in refurbishments.

Reacting, Chronicle and Echo readers called the news a ‘shame’ but questioned the cinema’s prices.

Simon Hoggarth commented: “Such a shame to see this, but I think the price structure is partly to blame, with prices varying too much across different sites. Also, since Covid, the short release window between cinema releases and digital/streaming/DVD releases has made it cheaper to go to Vue at Sol Central, especially if you have Meerkat Movies. Hoping another brand will take it over.”

Francesca Holland-Hay added: “A big shame, but then the costs were ridiculous—£9.99 per person to see Moana, plus snacks for a family of six, which nears £100 for a 90-minute film.”

Robin Hickmott said: “This has been on the cards ever since they opened Rushden Lakes. It took away a large chunk of the catchment area and didn’t quite have the space for things like IMAX.”