Cinema to close due to lack of trade after 11 years

BBC The entrance to Sheffield's Curzon Cinema. BBC
The Curzon opened in 2015 but its owners admitted it had never attracted the footfall that was hoped for

Sheffield's Curzon cinema is to close at the end of June.

In a statement, bosses said the George Street venue would shut permanently on 29 June, citing a lack of trade, competition from other cinemas and issues arising from the redevelopment of the city centre.

They said "despite everyone's best endeavours" the cinema had "never reached the admissions levels we had hoped for".

Opened in 2015, the three-screen cinema is located in the former Sheffield Banking Company building.

In their statement, managers said: "Despite everyone's best endeavours, Curzon Sheffield has never reached the admissions levels we had hoped for.

"The city has numerous options for cinemagoers and, unfortunately, during the city's development, the bulk of the leisure and entertainment trade has moved away from the Castle Square area.

"For these reasons, we have made the difficult decision to close Curzon Sheffield.

"We'd like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks to the Curzon Sheffield team, who work tirelessly to ensure you always have the best experience with us.

"We are extremely grateful for the support you have shown us over the years."

The Curzon chain operates 17 sites across the country, and the Sheffield closure leaves Knutsford in Cheshire as its only northern outpost.

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