Third of independent cinemas in UK at risk of closure, survey finds

Almost a third of independent cinemas face closure within three to five years without investment, according to research into the crisis facing the industry.

- Nadia Khomami

The survey conducted by an industry body, the Independent Cinema Office (ICO), found 31% of independent cinemas and mixed arts venues in the UK said they would not be able to remain operational without capital investment, while a further 28% were unsure of their future viability.

Of the 109 venues polled, only 41% were confident they could survive the next three years. The 69 participating venues that were able to provide estimates reported combined capital funding needs of more than £79m, indicating the sector's overall needs are significantly higher.

The most in-demand types of capital investment were for the upgrading of equipment and interiors (89%), investing in environmental sustainability (60%), business growth (56%) and building repairs (54%), while 62% of capital projects needed to be undertaken immediately or within the next year.