YATE’S Cineworld cinema has shut its doors for the final time.
The cinema at the Riverside retail and leisure park in Link Road is one of six across the UK which the company closed after declaring them to be “commercially unviable”.
Cineworld, which went into administration last year, announced consultations on the site’s future during the summer, saying the legal process would take until September.
The multiplex closed for the final time on October 13.
A spokesperson said: “As part of the restructuring process we regret Cineworld Yate closed permanently on October 13.
“We would like to thank all of our customers for choosing Cineworld Yate as their local cinema.”
The company refused to answer questions about how many jobs had been lost as a result of the closure or whether any staff were being redeployed.
In a message on the Yate cinema’s Facebook page, staff said they were “grateful for all of the love and support you have shown us in our time”
It included a message saying: “We hope to see you again soon at our nearby cinema in Swindon Shaw Ridge.”
The firm closed its South Bristol multiplex last year.
Customers ‘absolutely gutted’
The Yate cinema opened in 2016 following a long campaign involving the then Thornbury & Yate MP Steve Webb.
Its closure led to an outpouring of emotion on the Cineworld Yate Facebook, with one user saying they were “absolutely gutted”.
Regular cinemagoer Loren Ashfield told the Voice: “It was my therapy. I can’t tell you how upset I am that it’s gone.
“The most special thing for me was being able to cross generations and share the uniqueness of cinema with my children – so many wonderful films shared together, and now all of that is gone!
“As an Unlimited member from day one, it became like a second home as I watched countless films either on my own or with family and friends.”
Other customers pointed out that there is “nothing close about Swindon”.
One said the closure was “an awful decision” in the light of new housing being built in Yate, while another said: “Really sad for all the amazing staff, I hope they can all find new jobs soon.”
Two former members of staff posted on the page, with one, writing on behalf of the ‘team’: “Thank you for being a part of our journey. Your love and support have meant the world to us.”
Another said he had met “truly awesome friends” and the staff team had been like a family.