Over the summer, Cinema was seemingly ‘saved’ by the cultural phenomenon Barbiehemier. Around the same time, however, it was announced that Empire Cinemas had entered administration – closing several multiplexes across the UK and threatening many more. The Empire Cinema in Rubery’s Great Park was one of these cinemas facing permanent closure if a buyer wasn’t found.
Thankfully, the former Empire Cinema has been saved. Omniplex Cinema Group, Ireland’s largest cinema company, has announced (December 4) that it will open a rebranded cinema in Birmingham on December 6 after acquiring the former Empire Cinema location at Great Park, Rubery – one of five existing Empire Cinema locations it has bought.
Christmas cinemagoers in Birmingham can continue to look forward to watching the latest blockbusters this Wednesday at the 13-screen multiplex cinema. The cinema group is said to be investing £22.5 million, securing 150 existing jobs in the process, to renovate these existing Empire Cinema locations. This also includes cinemas in Ipswich, Sutton, Clydebank, and High Wycombe, with additional locations to be announced in 2024.
Speaking about the news, Paul John Anderson, Director of the Omniplex Cinema Group said: “We are thrilled to bring an Omniplex Cinema to Birmingham and cannot wait to welcome movie enthusiasts through our doors. From the latest blockbusters to timeless classics, we look forward to creating unforgettable moments for our new customers.”
Omniplex first opened its doors to customers in Ireland in 1991 and has since amassed a total of 270 screens across 38 cinema locations. The cinema company boasts state-of-the-art projection and digital sound facilities, as well as diverse programming which includes sporting events, musicals, concerts, and ballet in addition to the latest cinema releases.
Omniplex offers a subscription service called MyOmniPass, allowing customers access to every movie across all locations for a monthly subscription of £11.99. You’ll be able to catch the latest blockbusters – like children’s fantasy film Wonka, historical blockbuster Napoleon and dystopian action title Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes – at the former Empire Cinema in Rubery’s Great Park from December 8.