Empire Cinema in Greenbridge, has abruptly closed its doors after its owner collapsed into administration. The closure has left the Eastern side of Swindon without a cinema, triggering disappointment and inconvenience for movie enthusiasts in the area.
The decision to shut down the cinema was a result of the owner’s financial troubles. Empire Cinema Group, facing a challenging operating environment, was forced into administration, ultimately leading to the closure of the Greenbridge branch and three others. The impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the cinema industry was a significant factor in the decline of income and the subsequent closure.
Employees were informed of the closure during a meeting held earlier today. The announcement left all of the dedicated staff members facing immediate redundancy, a heartbreaking outcome for individuals who had contributed their time and effort to providing memorable movie experiences for the local audience.
Notices plastered on the cinema entrance confirmed the immediate closure and provided information on the automatic refund process for advance tickets purchased online or at the box office. Customers arriving at the cinema were greeted with a somber sight, realising that their plans to catch the latest films had been dashed.
One loyal weekly customer, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed her anger, saying, “I’ve been coming since [the cinema] opened, and these are some of the best staff you’ll ever find, and they did not deserve this. You can’t treat people like this… I feel angry.”
The closure not only leaves moviegoers without a local cinema option but also has financial implications for the employees. Those who have worked at the cinema for less than two years will not receive statutory severance pay, while those with over two years of service will receive varying levels of compensation based on their age and length of employment.
