Former Glasgow Cineworld site to be turned into Omniplex cinema

A landmark Glasgow cinema which closed in September will reopen by the middle of 2026.

The Cineworld on Glasgow’s Renfrew Street shut months after new owners Clydebankbridge Ltd – a subsidiary of Irish cinema chain Omniplex – bought the site.

The company has now confirmed the venue – believed to be the tallest cinema in the world – will become an Omniplex and resume screening films next year after “a major upgrade” had taken place.

All staff at the cinema were made redundant after the closure.

Ominiplex said the plans would involve “a significant investment to deliver a premium experience for film fans” and include recliner-seat auditoriums with upgraded laser projection and sound, as well as three giant OmniplexMAXX screens featuring Barco 4K Laser projection and Dolby Atmos sound.

A 23-foot airstream trailer called Joe’s Food Truck, serving food and drink, will also be part of the new cinema.

Omniplex Cinemas director Paul John Anderson said: “The Renfrew Street cinema is one of Glasgow’s most iconic cultural landmarks and a cornerstone of the wider UK cinema industry.

“Steeped in entertainment history, from the site’s early days as Green’s Playhouse and later the Apollo to what now sits in its place as the tallest cinema in the world, this venue holds a special place in the hearts of many moviegoers.

“We are proud to be welcoming this historic site into the Omniplex family.”

Originally formed in Ireland, Omniplex Cinemas currently has 47 locations across the UK and Ireland, having expanded into the rest of the UK in recent years.

The Renfrew Street acquisition marks the chain’s second Scottish cinema, following on from one in Clydebank that opened last year.

The Renfrew Street building opened in 2001, under the branding of UGC. Cineworld then took over UGC’s operations in 2005.