Cathay cinema at Jem in Jurong to close on Mar. 27, owes landlord S$4.3 million

The Cathay cinema at Jem will close on Mar. 27.

This comes after its lease was terminated by the landlord, as it seeks to recoup around S$4.3 million from the cinema chain in rental arrears, The Straits Times reported.

"Cathay Cineplexes remains committed to realigning and rightsizing its cinema business in anticipation of the market and audience shift post-Covid," the cinema chain's operator, mm2 Entertainment, said in a statement about the closure.

“The painful process is inevitable but will allow the cinema to explore new opportunities based on current market demands and ensure long-term sustainability."

It added that it will work on settling its outstanding debts.

mm2 also thanked its landlord, Lendlease, for supporting the cinema business, which has experienced troubles since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Closed other outlets

This is the latest in a string of closures for the cinema chain.

Over the past few years, Cathay Cineplexes shuttered its West Mall, AMK Hub, and Dhoby Ghaut outlets.

With this, Cathay Cineplexes will have just four remaining branches: Causeway Point, Downtown East, Century Square, and Clementi 321.

Recently, Filmgarde also shut down its last cinema in Kallang.

Top image from Google Maps