Colchester organisations and film lovers have shared their “concern” that Cineworld may not open at Colchester's Northern Gateway development.
Colchester Council revealed to The Gazette about how it is looking into “potential new cinema operators” for the Cineworld site off the A12.
A 12-screen Cineworld was announced for the multimillion leisure park in 2021 but the business has been experiencing financial trouble this year.
Cineworld Group PLC, the parent company of Cineworld Cinemas was placed into administration on July 31 last year.
Four of Cineworld’s subsidiaries have staved off entering administration after the cinema operator had a restructuring plan approved by a High Court judge on Tuesday.
But with the Cineworld Colchester site still uncertain, Mark Cory, Colchester Council deputy leader and portfolio holder for resources explained the council is “prepared to engage with alternative cinema operators” if needed.
Now organisations and filmgoers have reacted to the situation.
Campaign group, Save Colchester High Street, shared its thoughts on Facebook.
It said: “Our only concern is that this doesn't negativity affect the Odeon Cinema in the city centre.
“We're very lucky to have a cinema in our city centre.
“Hopefully Cineworld will survive and not create another empty building.”
Colchester resident, Billy Fenton, 29, is all for a smaller cinema operator to take on the Northern Gateway unit.
He said: “It’s a shame to hear that Cineworld may not operate at the new Northern Gateway, especially as the building has been built to accommodate it. In terms of other cinema providers.
"I’m not 100 per cent aware of any other outside of Odeon and Curzon, which already have sites in Colchester.
"I guess there is Century cinemas who have multiple sites with one not to far away in Clacton. Perhaps they might consider it?
"It would be good to have a less mainstream cinema operator for a change.”
Fellow resident, Molly Garlick, 29, normally enjoys going to the cinema to watch blockbuster films.
She just wants some action to be taken about the Northern Gateway unit.
Molly said: "Cineworld was announced for Northern Gateway a few years ago and it still hasn't materialised.
"I'm glad the council is looking at alternative providers if it doesn't go ahead.
"I don't go as much as I used to but I still love the cinema and it would be great to have a Cineworld at Northern Gateway.
"If the council is looking for other cinema providers, couldn't the Odeon move to the site?
“The Odeon has been in the city centre for years and is a bit outdated."
Avid cinemagoer Charlie Searle, 28, who grew up in Colchester said he was excited about Cineworld when it was first announced.
He said: “I really hope the Cineworld goes ahead, I’ve been to the Odeon and Curzon in the city centre, but the Cineworld would make a good alternative as Colchester has never had one before.
“It’s nice to hear that the council is monitoring the situation and is looking at alternative cinema operators if Cineworld pulls out for some reason.
“But now that the restructuring plan has been approved, I’m optimistic that hopefully it will all still go ahead, and we’ll get some news on the development soon.”
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