Landmark Glasgow cinema to close in September

Glasgow’s landmark cinema Cineworld is to close at the end of September.

Bosses have informed staff the Renfrew Street cinema will shut for good on 28 September, with the site transferring back to the owners of the building by 31 October.

Affected employees have posted documents on social media which suggest that all staff are at risk of redundancy.

Employees were told last month the cinema could close due to the building’s owners – a subsidiary of Irish cinema chain Omniplex – wanting to take it back.

A Cineworld spokesperson told the BBC: “Following the landlord’s recent decision, Cineworld Glasgow Renfrew Street will close on 28 September, 2025.

“As we say goodbye to Renfrew Street, Cineworld Silverburn is undergoing its most ambitious transformation yet – with major investment bringing a 4DX screen and a full upgrade of every 2D auditorium to luxury recliner seating.”

The letter to staff from management said that workers could be offered roles at venues within the chain.

A consultation process is due to last until 30 September.

Cineworld closed another Glasgow cinema, in Parkhead, last year as it grappled with financial problems.

When the Renfrew Street building opened in 2001, under the branding of UGC, it was claimed to be the world’s tallest cinema. Cineworld took over UGC’s operations in 2005.

The building was acquired earlier this year by Clydebankbridge Ltd, a subsidiary of Irish cinema chain Omniplex.

Ominiplex moved into Scotland for the first time last year when it took over the former Empire cinema site in Clydebank.