Majestic Cinemas, The Entrance: Closure due to increased rent
The CEO of Majestic Cinemas has revealed why the iconic cinema at The Entrance was forced to close its doors.
Central Coast
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An increase in rent forced the sad closure of an iconic cinema complex at The Entrance.
Majestic Cinemas closed its doors on the 100-year-old complex on April 19 sending shockwaves through the community.
The site at 54 The Entrance Rd was sold by Novak Properties for $1.86m in March, with the cinema closure happening just days after settlement of the property.
Majestic Cinemas chief executive officer Kieren Dell spoke to the Express on Wednesday as he drove away from the site for the final time.
“It’s all packed up now, it’s very sad after 14 years in the area,” he said.
Mr Dell said the new owners of the site wanted to double the rent. He said the cinema had been paying less rent due to COVID-19 impacts over the past year, similarly to other cinemas across the country.
“The new rent would have been three times what we are paying now,” he said.
“It’s just not viable. Our lease had run out and we were paying month by month so we made a business decision to close.”
He said the feedback from the community had been sadness and an eagerness to help.
Mr Dell also issued a public statement saying “it’s time to say goodbye”.
“Due to a change in building ownership, we will cease trading on Monday 19th April.
“Across the 14 years we have experienced such a loyal and engaging cinema community who have treasured with us the almost 100-year-old picture theatre.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure being a part of the Central Coast community and we can’t thank you enough for your patronage across the period. Thank you for your continued support, especially across the last year. We are thankful to have been able to entertain our community across this challenging time.”
The closure has angered The Entrance state Labor MP David Mehan who has put it down to greed and unrealistic rent demands.
Mr Mehan said the cinema building was recently purchased by a Sydney based developer who ended Majestic’s tenancy after failing to reach agreement on the rent.
He said the cinema employed one full time manager who has worked at the location for ten years as well as several part-time and casual staff.
“This is a huge disappointment for my community,” he said.
“With this closure, the last thing we need in The Entrance Township is for council to continue with its plan to close the Library and Council Service Centre. The community is strongly supporting my petition and I hope council will listen.”
Majestic Cinemas own eight other cinemas across NSW and had operated The Entrance cinema for the last 14 years.
The cinema was initially called the The Prince Edward Theatre and opened on April 13 1934 with 831 seats. The Theatre closed in 1977 but reopened in 1981 as The Entrance Cinema.
In 1988 a second cinema was added and the cinema operated successfully for years before it was taken over by Majestic Cinemas.
Dobell federal Labor MP Emma McBride also paid tribute to the iconic business.
“So many memories! The Entrance Cinema closed today. The last film to screen was Tom & Jerry the Movie.”
The Express has made attempts to contact the new owners of the site.
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