Tower Cinemas’ parent company Event Cinemas has declined to comment on why it chose to close it’s iconic Newcastle venue on December 5.
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However it is believed a steady decline in mainstream cinema audiences in the city combined with the popularity of the company’s modern cinemas at Kotara and Glendale played a major role in the shock decision.
Some also believe that, despite being surrounded by an attractive restaurant and entertainment scene, parking had become increasingly problematic for cinema patrons.
Owner of the nearby Lucky Country Hotel Jeff McCloy said cinema’s closure would be felt by many surrounding businesses.
“I was only talking to someone at the Lucky the other day who said he was on his way to the Towers. Business brings business; it’s that simple,” Mr McCloy said.
Organisers of the numerous film festivals that are held at the Tower Cinemas are also searching for new festival venues.
Among the challenges is the lack of venues that can replicate the Tower Cinemas’ large seating capacity.
Many film patrons expressed their dismay at the loss of a significant cultural space in the city.
“The Tower plays a major role in the cultural life of the city. What is the Newcastle City Council doing to encourage the opening of a new cinema? How will the surrounding cafes and bars survive? Inner city Newcastle is fast becoming a cultural desert with more than 30 small businesses closing down over the last two years. Newcastle deserves better,” Lyndall Ryan commented.
An Events Cinema spokesman said the company had “no immediate plans for the site”.
Mr McCloy, a developer, said he would be surprised if the site was redeveloped for apartments in the short term.
“It would be a very difficult building to demolish. On the other hand I can’t think of how a building like that could be easily repurposed.”
The Event Cinemas spokesman said all Tower Cinemas staff would be offered ongoing employment at its cinemas at Kotara and Glendale.
The Tower Cinemas opened in 1976 with premieres of Jaws and Picnic at Hanging Rock.
Event Cinemas is yet to announce what the final movie to be screened at the Tower Cinemas will be.
Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
