Newport Theatre in Hong Kong’s busy Mong Kok area will close its doors on April 1 after serving film-goers for 20 years, amid a wave of cinema shutdowns in the city.
In a social media post on Monday, Newport Circuit confirmed that the theatre’s last day of operation would be March 31.
The closure comes after Newport Circuit’s President Theatre in Causeway Bay shut down last year.
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“Given the changes in the market environment and operational adjustments, we have no choice but to make this decision,” the company said in the Facebook post.
It also expressed gratitude for its customers’ years of support and said the theatre on Soy Street would continue screening films until its final day.
“Thank you once again to all our audience for your support and love over the past many years. The cherished moments at Newport Theatre will forever remain in our memories,” the company added.
Founded in 1988, Newport Circuit initially aimed to rival the city’s three major cinema chains.
The chain used to operate five cinemas at its peak: Dynasty Theatre in Mong Kok, President Theatre in Causeway Bay, Lux Theatre in Hung Hom, Hyland Theatre in Tuen Mun and Newport Theatre in Mong Kok.
However, its network has shrunk over the years.
Following the closure of Newport Theatre, which features two screens with 403 seats in total, Hyland Theatre in Tuen Mun will become the chain’s last remaining cinema.
President Cinema was shut down on April 30 last year, while Dynasty Theatre was demolished in 2019 for redevelopment after 28 years of operation. Lux Theatre was taken over by Korea’s CJ Group in 2010.
In January, major cinema chain Golden Harvest restored online ticket sales for four of its outlets after an earlier suspension sparked fears that more closures in the city were imminent.
At least nine cinemas ceased operations last year, including two operated by Golden Harvest in Kai Tak and Nam Cheong.
The others included Cine-Art House in Kowloon City, MCL Cinema at South Horizons, Cinema City at Langham Place and The Metroplex at Kowloon Bay International Trade and Exhibition Centre.
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