Bromley Picturehouse announces shock closure as locals fume 'Vue is a lot cheaper'

A much-loved cinema that has entertained generations of moviegoers in Bromley has announced it will close its doors for the final time in August. Bromley Picturehouse is a landmark of the town centre with its tall Art Deco architecture that harks back to the golden age of film in the 1920s and 30s.

Today, the cinema's owners announced on X that they had taken the "tough decision" to close down the classic venue, with its last day of trading on August 1. They stated: "We're very sorry to announce that we've made the tough decision to close Bromley Picturehouse from Thursday, August 1.

"Between now and then, you can continue to enjoy all we have to offer – we hope to see you in the cinema soon. If you're a member, we'll be in touch in due course."

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The announcement was greeted with dismay by X users, although some expressed little surprise with a national decline in cinemagoers, plus challenges brought on by larger commercial cinemas nearby.

One user wrote: "A real shame this, but not surprised when the Vue cinema in Bromley was generally a lot cheaper. While I far prefer Picturehouse, money is tight for a lot of people and so they'll go where the cheaper options are. Sad to see you go, and hope the staff are being looked after."

Another said "Oh no, this is terrible news. Although we live on the opposite end of London, my dog and I loved coming down for the dog-friendly screenings and the staff there were always the friendliest and most welcoming of all Picturehouses."

"Absolutely gutted about this as a member, a third wrote. "I love the cinema and the great film selection. A lovely oasis for the arts in Bromley in a beautiful building. Why has this decision been made? And is there anything we can do to reverse it?"

Others described the cinema as "fantastic and a wonderful experience", while one person said "We love this place and are heartbroken to see it close. A true cultural oasis. Great films and great staff."

Originally an Odeon Cinema, Bromley Picturehouse opened on December 21, 1936, as one of Odeon’s original Oscar Deutsch Odeon cinemas, designed by architect George Coles. The main auditorium had a capacity for 1,492 people, with 1,018 in the stalls and 474 in the circle.

The property was purchased in 2006 by the Empire chain, before Cineworld bought it a decade later. Cineworld painstakingly restored the Art Deco frontage and interior, before it opened it as a Picturehouse cinema in 2019.

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