The news that Cineworld will be closing its branch in Swindon this weekend has been met by disappointment and concern about the future of the town centre.

Cineworld emailed customers on Tuesday, October 1 to inform them that the Regent Circus cinema would be closing on Sunday, October 6 as part of a restructuring plan to cut costs and close venues across the UK.

While Cineworld Shaw Ridge will remain open, many residents believe the closure marks yet another blow to the town centre and worry there will soon be nothing left to enjoy.

Once Cineworld closes this weekend, Nando’s and Boom Battle Bar will be the only occupiers at Regent Circus, after the Morrisons store permanently closed in 2019 and has since been abandoned.

One Advertiser reader said: “The place is a hole. Without Morrisons and the cinema, it has no core businesses to keep it going.

“The whole complex needs to be redesigned to make it of value to Swindon. That may be a food destination or a local business hub or a local community hub for example, but it won't be a theatre and a cinema is unlikely too.”

READ MORE: Closing date for Swindon cinema confirmed

One reader commented: “Well I can see Cineworld in Swindon will be totally gone – who wants to travel to West Swindon?”

Meanwhile, others suggested cinemas are less appealing to people now that films can easily be streamed from home, suggesting one main issue with the Regent Circus branch was a lack of free parking.

Tim said: “Another Victim of the changing times sadly…with all the streaming services available it will become a thing of the past.”

 Andy added: “I do find it odd that people complain about these closures and those in the town centre.

“People’s behaviour and modern ‘convenience’ have created the situation where shops and businesses like this are not getting the footfall to keep them sustainable.”

“Sad but the good old days are gone Saturday night at the movies well behind us not a lot of nice things in this world we live in now”, commented Ray.

Cineworld Swindon Regent Circus released a statement about the closure on their social media page, which was met by comments saying it was “really sad news” and “such a shame.”

One customer said: “How sad, was a lovely cinema and wonderful staff. I hope the staff can move over to Shaw Ridge.”

“One more nail in the coffin for our dying town centre,” read another comment.