CINEWORLD is set to shut its Yate branch next week with urgent efforts being made to find a replacement for the unit. 

The cinema chain recently announced plans to shut six cinemas across the UK including the one in Yate as part of major restructuring plans.

It has now been revealed that the Yate unit will close on Sunday, October 13.

The six screen cinema opened in the town in 2016 but has suffered declining visitor numbers and never fully recovered after the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.

Urgent efforts are now being made to find a new occupier for the space which will be left vacant. 

A spokesperson for Yate Shopping Centre, said: “It is a real shame Cineworld is leaving Yate.

"As has been widely discussed, the number of people going to cinemas has fallen to a point where they are simply no longer viable.

“What matters most now is finding a new occupier for this space.

"We are currently undertaking a thorough marketing exercise and will update the community when we are able to.

“As owners and managers of Yate Shopping Centre, we remain fully committed to the centre’s important role within the community.

“In fact, other than Cineworld’s departure, the centre is thriving.

"97 per cent of the shops are occupied - quite an achievement given the huge challenges high streets and shopping centres face across the UK.

"We’ve recently agreed 35 new leases, including with eleven new retailers.

“The number of people visiting the centre is also back to pre-pandemic levels.

"The number of visits is now 6.9 million a year – up nine percent on last year.

“We have organised lots of events at the centre, not least the annual summer beach which has proved enormously popular.

"These help give more reasons for people to visit Yate Shopping Centre.

“We always really appreciate how loyal all our customers are, as well as the retailers who provide such a wide range of services to the community.

"By working together we all make Yate the lovely and thriving town it is.”

Chris Willmore, South Gloucestershire Councillor for the Yate North ward said: "It is a really sad day.

"We fought so hard as residents and councillors alongside our former MP Steve Webb to get the cinema. 

"But despite everyone’s efforts Cineworld have closed it.

"The shopping centre owners are doing their best to try to get an equally exciting operator in there - looking first for a cinema, and if that fails for other exciting leisure uses.

"They have been keeping us informed as councillors we have been pushing them to try as hard as possible.

"Certainly as councillors if there is anything the council can possibly do to help, we will.  

"If anyone has any leads to share then please do pass them on."

A Cineworld spokesperson said: “As part of the restructuring process we regret this cinema is set to close.

"We would like to thank all of our customers, past and present, for choosing Cineworld Yate as their local cinema.

"Cineworld Yate will cease trading and close permanently on Sunday, October 13."