Business

Omniplex announce expansion into Britain by acquiring five former Empire Cinema sites

Omniplex will open five cinemas in England and Scotland during December.
Omniplex will open five cinemas in England and Scotland during December.

The Irish cinema chain Omniplex has announced its expansion into Britain by acquiring five sites in England and Scotland.

Already the largest cinema company on the island of Ireland, Omniplex has invested around £22.5 million in acquiring and refurbishing five former Empire Cinema locations.

The five sites in Birmingham, Ipswich, Sutton, Clydebank, and High Wycombe will open this month as rebranded Omniplex Cinemas.

The company, which has 38 cinemas across the island of Ireland, has said it will announce additional locations in 2024.

Its portfolio features 16 outlets in the north, including The Avenue cinema, which opened at Belfast’s CastleCourt shopping centre in March 2023 following a £5.2 million investment.

The company said its move into Britain will secure 150 existing jobs at the former Empire Cinema sites.

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"We are thrilled to announce our expansion into Great Britain,” said Omniplex Cinema Group director, Paul John Anderson.

“Our disciplined approach to investing in our businesses and unwavering drive to operate high-quality cinema locations have proved successful over the years on the island of Ireland and has given us the confidence to venture into new territories.

“This expansion is a testament to our commitment to innovation, quality, and delivering unforgettable moments for our customers."

The individual site openings are planned on the following dates: Birmingham on December 6, Ipswich and Sutton on December 8, Clydebank and High Wycombe on December 10.