The closure of one of Singapore's oldest cinemas after 83 years in the business.
Photo Courtesy of roots.gov.sg
One of Singapore’s oldest cinemas housed in a protected national monument - will cease operations from 27th June onwards.
The Cathay Cineplex in Handy Road, near Dhoby Ghaut MRT, has been in operation since 1939. It was the first air-conditioned cinema in Singapore and was located in a landmark building, The Cathay.
After 83 years of having fond memories of watching movies there, many are saddened by the news that the cinema will close for good. The last day of operations is 26th June 2022. The space will then be taken over by a pop-up outlet operated by The Projector.
Photo Courtesy of thecathay.com.sg
The reason for the closure was due to a business decision.
According to Chang Long Jong, Group CEO for mm2 Asia, the company behind the Cathay Cineplexes chain in Singapore:
“The cinema’s closure was a business decision. Over the years, retail traffic demographics have changed. We have had to evaluate the commercial viability of operating two cinemas in the Orchard shopping belt within 1.5km of each other and within 300m of another multiplex.”
Most likely, the two cinemas mentioned above are Cineleisure Orchard and The Golden Village outlet at Plaza Singapura.
The rest of the Cathay outlets across Singapore will continue their operations as usual. The move will not affect other shops and restaurants in the Cathay building as well!
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