New hopes that bayside cinema can be reopened after Majestic chain closes three outlets

The owner of a bayside cinema has raised hopes it can reopen the three-year-old complex after administrators made the shock announcement that three of the operator’s theatres must be shut.

The owner of a bayside cinema has raised hopes it can reopen the three-year-old complex after administrators made the shock announcement that three of the operator’s theatres must be shut.

Administrators SV Partners confirmed on Tuesday, February 13, that the Majestic Cinema chain’s Wynnum theatre and two in NSW would have to close after “dire’’ trading conditions last year.

The Wynnum, Singleton and Nelson Bay theatres screened their last movies on February 11.

Majestic’s other six outlets in NSw and in Nambour would remain open.

Majestic leased the purpose-built space, which was opened by prominent bayside company Berrima Develop after years of complaints from locals that the area needed a cinema.

Berrima’s Justin Ham said he believed a Wynnum cinema was viable, if ticket pricing was right.

“We are just as disappointed as the rest of Wynnum to see Majestic close their doors,’’ Mr Ham said.

“After answering the calls from the local community, including a 10,000-strong petition, we invested a lot of money building a first class cinema.

“To have it close its doors three years on is certainly not an outcome we envisioned.

“At this stage, we still believe there’s still a market for it and we are committed to keeping the cinema alive.

“What that involves at the moment is some of our team and I have to assess.

“But the first thing we will do is make sure it’s a lot more affordable to see a movie moving forward.’’

Majestic Cinemas CEO Kieren Dell.

Majestic CEO Kieren Dell partly blamed the Hollywood strike and Covid for the industry’s woes, describing last year as “pretty dire’’.

Yesterday, Mr Dell said despite facing challenges in reaching agreements at a few sites his team was making a strategic move to focus on a more streamlined and efficient operation, resulting in the closure of three of its cinemas.

“This decision is part of a broader effort by the SV Partners team to ensure the

sustainability and success of Majestic Cinemas,” he said in a statement.

“By concentrating resources and efforts on the remaining six locations, the company aims to deliver an improved cinematic experience, ensuring Majestic Cinemas remains a beloved part of the community’s entertainment options.”

“We are so appreciative of the community support we have received throughout this

challenging time and understand what an integral part Majestic Cinemas is to the

entertainment landscape in all our locations.

“The closure of these three sites, while regrettable, will allow us to recalibrate our strategy and run a more focused, cost-effective operation with the intention of positioning the business for success into the future.”

Wynnum's Majestic Cinema has closed.

Mr Dell said they had wanted to do everything they could to keep every location going however after negotiations with landlords broke down, they made the decision to close the three sites immediately.

The long-awaited Wynnum outlet opened in 2021 after decades of residents demanding a cinema.

“It’s sad, we really enjoyed being part of the Wynnum community,” he said.

Justin Ham from Berrima Develop Pty Ltd, the landlord of Majestic’s Wynnum Cinema, said they did all they could to support the business.

Kieren Dell at Majestic’s Nambour cinema when it was being renovated.

“We supported Majestic far beyond a usual lessor would to deliver the cinema complex to the Bayside/Wynnum manly area,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the Majestic model for the area isn’t viable enough to continue.’’

Majestic’s only other Queensland location, Nambour, survived. Its Port Macquarie, Nambucca Heads, Kempsey, Sawtell and Inverell outlets in NSW would also continue.

“The company’s dedication to a positive future is evident in its commitment to its

employees, stakeholders and the communities it serves,” Mr Dell said.

“SV Partners is working closely with Majestic Cinemas to navigate through this period of restructuring with a clear focus on emerging stronger.”