Morayfield cinema closes its doors after being a place of movie magic for almost three decades

Locals will face a 20km drive to see a movie following news Morayfield’s only cinema will close its doors for good next month, after almost 24 years in business.

Morayfield residents will have to drive up to 20km to watch a movie once their only local cinema closes next month.

Birch Carroll and Coyle (BCC) Cinemas at Morayfield has announced it will close for good on April 13.

A BCC spokesman said the decision was based on the business’ commitment to Event Cinemas Strathpine and Event Cinemas North Lakes.

“The team at Event Cinemas will continue to bring customers the latest blockbusters and movies from around the globe, as well as special events from the worlds of music, theatre, arts, sport and e-sport,” the spokesman said.

“Over the years we’ve shared magical movie moments, first dates, family outings, birthday celebrations, romantic anniversaries, huge belly-laughs, exciting adventures and nightmarish scary scenes. We’ve shared these memories with the Morayfield community and loved every minute,’ he said.

Morayfield resident Nathan McNichol, 32, was just eight years old when he watched his first movie on the big screen at the local cinema.

Now, 24 years later, he said he still revisited for the same buttery popcorn smell and surreal experience.

“I watched all the Harry Potter and Marvel movies as they came out over the years,” Mr McNichol said.

Locals will now have to drive up to 20km to watch the big screens, with the nearest soon to be at Redcliffe or North Lakes.

“I went with my family, my friends, and now I will have to drive over 30 minutes to my next cinema,” Mr McNichol said.

The BCC cinema will screen its last movie on the April 13 after a long two years faced with Covid-19 and restrictions placed on theatres across the country.

Intencity Arcade will also close its doors to the public on the April 6.

The outlet posted a devastating message to Facebook this week announcing the closure.

“It is with great sadness that we announce Intencity Morayfield will cease trading on Wednesday 13th of April 2022 due to end of lease,” they said.

“We have loved seeing all the smiles and joy we have brought to the greater Morayfield community and while this is goodbye, you can still find out games at many game foyer locations.”

Arcade manager Loralee Edser, 23, described the closure as the “end of an era”, saying the arcade felt like her second home.

“I’m bummed because this has been my life for the past 23 years,” Ms Edser said.

“Before this place was a job for me it was a place where I could hang out with my friends.”

Parents will also feel the loss, especially with school holiday quickly approaching.

“Parents are telling me it sucks. It’s heartbreaking,” Ms Edser said.