Just like the Jurong Entertainment Centre and the long fountains at Clementi, another iconic outlet is going to become a memory of the past.
The Cathay Cineplex at Handy Road.
Closure of The Cathay Cineplex “A Business Decision”
According to mm2 Asia which manages the Cathay cineplexes chain in Singapore, the move was done as “part of the cost rationalisation process for its cinema operations”.
Because of the changing demand for movie consumption, it does not make sense, cost-wise, to run two cinemas within 1.5km of each other.
It was added that Cathay Cineplex also operates within 300m of another cinema, which is the Golden Village outlet in Plaza Singapura.
“The cinema’s closure was a business decision. Over the years, retail traffic demographics have changed. We have had to evaluate the commercial viability of operating two cinemas in the Orchard shopping belt within 1.5km of each other and within 300m of another multiplex.”
Mr Chang Long Jong, group chief executive for mm2 Asia
The cineplex will cease operations on 27 Jun 2022.
Has Been Operating Since 1939
The Handy Road location has been operating for over eight decades, having begun operations back in 1939.
It is the first air-conditioned cinema in Singapore and many Singaporeans have memories of watching their favourite movies there.
The building itself is a landmark protected national monument in Singapore.
What Will Happen To Other Shops in The Cathay Cineplex?
Now, if your favourite eatery or shop is located in the building, fret not.
It seems that the other businesses located in the building will not be affected.
For fans of Cathay Cineplexes, you’ll be glad to know that other Cathay Cineplexes in Singapore are operating as usual.
This doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t continue to watch movies at the iconic building.
Taken Over by The Projector
It was announced that indie cinema operator, The Projector, will take over the spot as a “pop-up” cinema.
The operator currently has two cinema venues located at Golden Mile and Riverside Point.
The pop-up cinema will start operating at The Cathay building from 23 Aug 2022.
Projector X: Picturehouse
The latest venue will be called Projector X: Picturehouse in tribute to The Cathay’s past as an arthouse.
According to the press release by the building operator, Cathay Organisation, the space will be used for more than just films.
“We are excited to adaptively reuse the cineplex into an alternative space to experience film, live theatre productions, performing arts and live music, with that signature Projector stamp of diversity and inclusivity, right in the heart of the Bras Basah Bugis creative precinct.”
Cathay Organisation
The space will also give creatives here and abroad more opportunities to collaborate, it added.
If you have fond memories of watching movies at The Cathay Cineplex and you want to watch a movie there for old times’ sake, be sure to do so before it screens its last movie on 26 Jun 2022.
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Feature Image: Terence Toh Chin Eng / Shutterstock.com
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