Empire administration: Basildon council approached by other brands

The new £25 million cinema complex, at East Square, has been hit with half-a-dozen delays over the last 18 months, but the cinema was due to be opened by Empire this summer.

However, on Friday it was announced the cinema chain has entered administration and six cinemas are shutting.

But with no specific announcement has been made about the new Basildon Empire Cinema, Craig Rimmer, councillor responsible for economic stimulus and tourism, believes it is a “golden opportunity”.

Speaking to the Echo, he revealed numerous cinema chains had contacted the council however he remained tight-lipped on which chains could take on the site.

He said: “We have had approaches by other cinema chains because they see a golden opportunity here, following the news of Empire entering administration.

“We are looking to hold discussions with Empire and their administrators in due course to work together and get the cinema open.

“Of course, the planned summer opening is unlikely to happen. However, when it does finally open, it could be with a new operator.”

Eight of the 14 cinemas under the Empire Cinemas and Tivoli brands will remain open.

The chain was also set to open a new cinema at the controversial £70 million Seaway leisure complex on Southend seafront.

That project was put on hold in December after economic turmoil “wreaked havoc” on potential investors.

But with this announcement, Southend Council leader Tony Cox hinted at pulling the plug on Seaway.

He said: “The project that was there on Seaway did not get off the ground as regrettable as it is.

“Empire cited Covid and the world has moved on. But, unfortunately, with the rise of streaming services, cinemas will get phased out.

“My heart goes out to the employees who are facing the loss of their jobs.”

Any advance tickets bought for the closed venues will be refunded, while gift cards and guest passes will be valid at the remaining sites.