AN ODE TO CINEWORLD
The corner where Renfrew Street and West Nile Street converge, from which Cineworld towers over the skyline of Glasgow’s city centre, enjoys a rich cinematic heritage. The site was formerly home to Green’s Playhouse between 1927-1973, which previously held the record of being Europe’s largest cinema in terms of number of seats (4368). This then became the legendary Glasgow Apollo between 1973 -1985 - the setting of Billy Conolly’s iconic 13-date run in September 1975. After the Apollo shut its doors in June 1985, it was demolished in September 1987. The site lay dormant until September 2001, when the UGC Cinema opened its doors. Standing at 62 metres tall (203ft), the now iconic behemoth claimed the Guiness World Record for the “tallest cinema complex in the world”. However, its construction drew heavy criticism, with the image of the art-deco inspired Apollo morphing into what Prospect Magazine designated the “Carbuncle of the Year” in 2000.
Under the branding of UGC, the venue became the busiest cinema in the UK by 2003, admitting 1.8 million visitors in that year alone. In 2005, the venue's operations were taken over by Cineworld: the beginning of a successful 20-year period at Renfrew Street. The record-breaking building, famous for its massive glass curtain wall and numerous criss-crossing escalators, has become a Glasgow landmark and defining feature of the Glasgow skyline. Today, the 6-floor cinema can accommodate more than 4300 people within its 18 screens - including 4DX screens, a Superscreen, private screens, and a VIP screen with stunning views of the city. The venue and event space on Renfrew Street is a popular location for birthday parties, conferences, and private events. It features a bar (which hosts a monthly “Cinequiz”) as well as a Starbucks - the perfect destination to pick up a Chocolate-chip Frappuccino before heading upstairs to enjoy a film.
After 20 legendary years, it is time to say goodbye to our favourite study-escape location. Cineworld Renfrew Street recently released a statement, announcing that it “will be closing after the last film finishes, on September 28, 2025” following a decision made by the landlord, Clydebankbridge Ltd. The closure sparked fears of redundancies, prompting Cineworld management to suggest that existing staff could be offered new roles at alternative Cineworld venues, such as Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn, described by Cineworld as “the most superior entertainment experience in Glasgow” after recent renovation. However, this promise of security may prove empty, considering that recent years have seen the closure of several Cineworld’s, including the Glasgow Parkhead branch being one of six Cineworld cinemas to shut amidst financial difficulties. While the future of the venue remains unclear, the building is expected to be rebranded under the Omniplex Cinemas name.
While Ashton Lane’s Grosvenor Picture Theatre exudes the charm and romance of the West End, and Glasgow Film Theatre is a classic cinema experience with independent spirit, Cineworld Renfrew Street was always the pick of the bunch, making its closure a real heartbreaker. Its gargantuan size, felt through every journey up its criss-crossing escalators, emphasised its grandeur as a monument to cinema; its perfect city-centre location made it a comfortable opportunity for a spontaneous getaway.
Finally, an ode to the Cineworld Unlimited Membership. For the price of only one cinema ticket per month, one could gain unlimited screenings, upgrades, an initial 10% off of cinema snacks which upgraded to 25% after 12 months, 25% off partner restaurants, 50% off selected event screenings. The perfect deal for a penniless student, offering something to do every night, even at the end of the month. From a date night to an opportunity to escape the Glasgow weather, Cineworld Renfrew Street was a huge part of what it meant to us to be a student in Glasgow. Whatever happens at the corner of West Nile and Renfrew, that landmark will remain a significant part of town for us, and for any other Glaswegian trying to escape a rainy day. Thank you, Cineworld Renfrew Street.