Cineworld Confirms Closure of West Yorkshire Location in 2025

A major cinema chain has announced the impending closure of one of its key sites in West Yorkshire early next year. Cineworld confirmed that its 14-screen Castleford branch, located at Xscape Yorkshire, is scheduled to cease operations on 19 January, after more than two decades of business. This closure is part of a wider plan that also includes five other Cineworld venues across the UK. The operator stated that this strategic decision aims to ensure the “long-term future and profitability” of the company, though no specific details regarding potential job losses have been released. Xscape Yorkshire commented that the complex is actively collaborating with Cineworld “to try and find a solution which works for all those involved.” The other Cineworld branches affected by these closures are situated in Leigh, Middlesbrough, Northampton, Poole, and Weymouth. Javier Sotomayor, president of Cineworld International, remarked that the move “protects thousands of jobs across the UK and provides us with the financial stability to continue investing.” The cinema chain further described these closures, which are part of a “restructuring plan,” as a “responsible and necessary decision for the business.” Cineworld entered administration in 2023 following financial difficulties, although its screens nationwide continued to operate. This latest announcement follows the company’s previous disclosure in July of six other Cineworld site closures. A spokesperson for Xscape Yorkshire issued a statement: “Cinema has long been the place where people want to experience film content at its most exciting and impactful and we believe that by enhancing the cinematic experience they will continue to create excitement for guests. “We’re focused on working with the best operators to create memorable experiences at Xscape Yorkshire and are looking forward to sharing details of what’s coming next very soon.””