The past decade has seen a heartening revival of interest in the traditional cinema experience. Ticket sales in the UK boomed in 2018, reaching their highest level since the swinging sixties at a whopping 177 million visits. Fuelled by blockbuster releases and a renewed love for the shared experience of the cinema, this trend begs a fascinating question: could cinemas be the spark that reignites our struggling town centres?

The history of cinema in the UK is a testament to its remarkable adaptability. From the flickering black and white wonders of the Lumière brothers’ pioneering work in 1895 to the grand, purpose-built picture palaces that soon followed, the public’s fascination with the silver screen has been unwavering. The arrival of “talkies” further cemented cinema’s place in popular culture, leading to a golden age for local flick houses in the 1930s. These affordable entertainment hubs played a crucial role in fostering community spirit within UK towns, with admissions reaching a peak of 1.64 billion in 1946.

However, the rise of the telly in the following decades dealt a significant blow to cinema attendance. Ticket sales plummeted to a record low of just one million in 1984, leading to the closure or repurposing of countless cinemas. The number of screens dropped dramatically, from a post-war high of 4,700 to a meagre 660.

The introduction of the multiplex in 1985 marked a turning point. These sprawling out-of-town entertainment complexes, boasting multiple screens and additional amenities like bars and restaurants, offered a new way to experience the movies. This shift coincided with the evolution of town centres into retail and dining destinations, creating a geographical disconnect between cinemas and the traditional heart of the community.

The rise of online shopping has further challenged the viability of high streets, necessitating innovative approaches to urban planning and development. The “sequential test,” a policy that prioritises town centre development over out-of-town options, alongside a focus on smaller, more integrated cinemas, has paved the way for a resurgence of the silver screen within our town centres.

Towns like Stockport, Chorley, and Preston are leading the charge in this revitalisation. They’re actively reviving long-dormant cinemas, while others, like Burnley, are strategically relocating existing ones to more central locations. This trend reflects a growing recognition by developers and cinema operators of the importance of catering to local tastes. Cinemas are diversifying their offerings beyond mainstream Hollywood blockbusters, including live events, independent films, and culturally specific content that resonates with the local community. An example of a cinema project can be found here.

The return of cinemas to town centres presents a win-win scenario for both leisure and retail businesses. The increased footfall generated by cinemagoers provides a much-needed boost for local shops. Additionally, collaborative ventures such as Selfridges’ upcoming in-store cinema concept highlight the potential for innovative partnerships that can enhance the overall shopping experience.

Cinema’s enduring popularity in the UK is a testament to its ability to adapt and evolve. This resurgence offers a promising avenue for rejuvenating our town centres, fostering a sense of community, and creating vibrant hubs for entertainment and cultural engagement.

If you are interested in contacting us about your future cinema development application please head to our ‘Contact Us‘ page to see how you can get in touch via email, online form or through a call.