Politics Editor Emma recounts the closure of iconic Glasgow Cineworld and explores the future plans for the building and era of cinema go-ers.
The Cineworld on Renfrew Street, Glasgow announced that it was closing quite abruptly last Summer 2025. The Cineworld, formally known as the world’s tallest cinema, officially closed its doors on 28 September, 2025. Hundreds of staff members were preparing to look for new jobs if they weren’t eligible to transfer to different locations. But it turns out that up to one hundred jobs may be available soon as the building prepares to re-open this Summer with different owners as an Omniplex cinema.
Omniplex is an Irish owned cinema company that bought over Cineworld as of May 2025. They recently applied to replace the old sign with their logo. It would read “Omniplex Cinemas Maxx” in yellow and red font.
Image Credit Cineworld Building Renfrew Glasgow: GCC Planning Portal
Image Credit Omniplex Sign: GCC Planning Portal
Will The New Cinema Have The Same Perks?
Cineworld advertises the “Unlimited Membership” to their customers. This is a subscription of £12.99 a month that entitles members to view as many movies as they desire alongside a 10 per cent discount on food and merchandise. Members of the Cineworld Unlimited scheme were sent emails claiming memberships would automatically renew by transferring their subscription to the nearest alternative cinema (Silverburn, Glasgow), unless reaching out to cancel. These benefits are still available at other Cineword locations.
Luckily, Omniplex offer similar perks. MyOmniPass is a £12.99 monthly subscription that gets you a Super Saver seat for every movie. Other benefits include access to exclusive members only previews to movies on their large “maxx” screens.
The company website state “OmniplexMAXX, our signature large-format experience, offers floor-to-ceiling screens, crystal clear projection, and immersive digital surround sound. Select locations also offer Omniplex Recline, plush sofas, armchairs and sofa beds.”
Are Things Looking Promising?
Director of Omniplex Cinemas, Paul John Anderson claims “We look forward to inviting Glasgow’s film lovers to experience a venue that combines the heritage and prestige of this landmark location with the premium facilities that define Omniplex Cinemas.”
X handle @bigwullie83 claims “I gave up my unlimited card when Glasgow shut, after also shutting The Forge (Glasgow shopping centre) and currently use Vue (cinema). I refuse to travel the short extra to Silverburn (Cineworld) where traffic is usually always very busy. Will be glad when Omniplex open up in the Glasgow Renfrew site.”
Do People Still Go To Cinemas?
Cinemas don’t make as much profit as they used to. Cineworld went into administration in 2023 after it was unable to pay back £3.9 billion debt pile. Despite this, the building will still get a second chance to redeem itself.
But nowadays, more people prefer to watch movies at home. Whilst streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime are popular, almost 127 billion TV show episodes are illegally watched annually.
I think that watching a movie from the comfort of your home is perfectly okay. It’s a cheaper alternative for a fun day in. Big companies can still manage to survive profit cuts so I don’t see any major issue with pirating the occasional movie.
I will always advocate for people to bring their own snacks to the cinema. The appeal of fresh popcorn is not really feasible unless you go to see a movie as soon as the cinema opens. Cinemas try to draw people in by offering novelty popcorn toppings like hard chocolate buttons- just recreate this at home by microwaving a bag of popcorn kernels from any cheap shop then picking as many novelty toppings as you wish.
Disclaimer: I do not claim to pirate movies.
Image Credit of Former Starbucks Inside Cineworld Renfrew: Emma Forbes Walker
Fourth Year English and Journalism Student
