The fate of a Swindon cinema which is at risk of closing will be decided soon.

Cineworld has faced significant financial difficulties post-pandemic because audience attendance has not yet returned to pre-Covid levels.

The company, which is part of the world’s second-largest cinema chain, entered administration in July 2023 while struggling with debts estimated to be nearly £4 billion.

In a bid to return the business to profitability, it has put together a plan to carry out a major restructuring of its multiplexes.

If all goes as planned, the Swindon Regent Circus cinema will be closed, as would other sites in Glasgow Parkhead, Bedford, Hinckley, Loughborough, and Yate.

The company had been trying to find a buyer for some or all of its multiplexes but, after failing to do so, announced plans to close the six locations that it deemed “commercially unviable”.

Consultation processes with staff who would lose their jobs as a result of these closures are said to be underway.

The restructuring plan can only go ahead if approved by the courts.

The Adver understands that this hearing is due to be held at the end of this month.

After that, we will know for certain whether Regent Circus' cinema will close and leave Boom Battle Bar and Nando's as the only businesses still trading in the half-empty leisure complex.