Ster-Kinekor has formally shut down its cinema complicated on the Gateway Theatre of Procuring in Durban, with its last day of operation on 8 Might 2025.
This marks the second quiet closure this 12 months, following the sooner closure of its Bedford Sq. complicated in Bedfordview, which was later taken over by rival chain Nu Metro.
Whereas Nu Metro can also be rumoured to be taking up the Gateway location, each corporations have declined to verify the transition.
Ster-Kinekor, nevertheless, said the closure was not initiated by the corporate, suggesting potential disputes with mall administration.
“We half methods with Gateway on good phrases and with mutual respect,” a spokesperson instructed MyBroadband.
Monetary pressure
The closure is a part of a broader restructuring effort introduced in 2024, pushed by monetary pressure from South Africa’s robust financial local weather, load-shedding, and disruptions in Hollywood that delayed key movie releases.
On the time, the corporate warned that as much as 9 cinemas might be shut and 236 employees members retrenched.
Following the restructure, solely two cinemas have been formally closed – Boardwalk in Richards Bay and Greenstone Mall – and 52 employees members, primarily at head workplace, have been retrenched.
Nonetheless, the quiet Gateway and Bedfordview closures recommend additional downsizing exercise behind the scenes.
Regardless of these challenges, Ster-Kinekor insists it stays centered on development.
The corporate stated it’s in superior discussions to launch three new cinema websites, claiming they may surpass the historic foot visitors seen at Gateway.
Ster-Kinekor CEO Mark Sardi beforehand famous that the corporate continues to discover alternate fashions with landlords, together with leisure and academic makes use of for cinema areas, in an effort to adapt to shifting market circumstances.
When final did you watch a film at Ster-Kinekor?
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