Cineworld is to be kicked out of the world’s tallest cinema complex.
The building on Renfrew Street in Glasgow has been operated by Cineworld since its takeover from UGC in 2005.
Cineworld has confirmed that the landlord intends to take back the site and employees impacted have been informed.
An email sent to staff on Wednesday said that this would result in the cinema closing and a consultation process beginning.
“This situation is outside of our control however, we acknowledge that this is an uncertain period for you and we will endeavour to ensure that you remain the first to know of any further developments,” the email from company director Shaun Jones and operations director Mark Whitty says.
Clydebankbridge Ltd purchased the site for £7m in May of this year. The company is owned by Omniplex, an Irish cinema group which took over five Empire sites in 2023 – including one in Clydebank.
It is understood Cineworld was leasing the building for more than £1m, according to title documents seen by STV News.
The lease on the building was due to run until 2036 – but it appears the new owner is seeking to end this prematurely.
Omniplex has been contacted for comment.
A Cineworld spokesperson said: “We are aware of the landlord’s intention to take back the site at Cineworld Glasgow Renfrew Street.
“We have communicated to and are working closely with our employees that may be impacted. At this stage, we do not have further information to share.”
Opened in September 2001, the UGC Cinema stands at 62m tall, has 18 screens across 12 storeys and can seat more than 4,200 people.
It was taken over and rebranded by Cineworld in 2005.
After entering administration in 2023, Cineworld announced the closure of six cinemas in a major company restructure.
It closed sites at Glasgow Parkhead, Bedford, Hinckley, Loughborough, Yate and Swindon Circus.
Cineworld operates eight cinemas in Scotland with three locations in Glasgow, two in Aberdeen and sites in Dundee, Falkirk and Edinburgh.
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