Workington could have two cinemas after the town bids farewell to the popular Plaza Cinema.

Graves Ltd, which has been running the multi-screen complex at Dunmail Park for 20 years, announced this week that it would not be re-opening when lockdown restrictions are lifted.

They said they had been unable to agree lease terms and were now working to create a new cinema in the town centre instead.

Plans lodged by the company to turn the former soft play centre Funtastic into a three-screen cinema, have been given the go-ahead by Allerdale Council.

However, Dixons, the owners of Dunmail Park, say they want to carry on running a cinema on their site, and hope a new operator will take over the complex.

Marie Dixon said: “It has been rather difficult. It can only be a cinema. It’s built as a cinema. We hope to find another operator and continue running it as a cinema.

“There’s plenty of screens and plenty of parking. Hopefully we will be able to sort something. It’s up in the air at the moment.”

A statement released by the Plaza Cinema said: “After 20 amazing years of welcoming you to our Plaza cinema, we are very sad to announce that the cinema will not be reopening.

“Having been a part of this community for so long we really don’t want to say goodbye but we have been unable to agree lease terms to allow us to stay on at Dunmail Park.

“Our intention is to create a new cinema in Workington, for which we have planning consent, and we’re working hard on our plans to do so.

“We are so very proud of the Plaza team who have worked tirelessly over the years to bring you a great cinema experience with a welcoming smile. We are so grateful for their contribution.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to our many loyal customers who have supported us, especially over what has been the most difficult time for everyone this past 12 months.

“We really hope that you will continue to support us.

“Our team have some great memories of the Plaza and the great blockbuster films we’ve shown over the years, it’s been our pleasure to welcome so many of you.”

Graves Ltd were contacted by the Times & Star but declined to make any further comment.