Hot on the heels of Telstraclear’s announcement of job losses comes news of another closure Reading Cinema in Paraparaumu is set to shut its doors next week with the likely loss of 14 jobs.
Reading Entertainment’s national operations manager Mark Kendrick told KCNews he was not able to comment about an actual closing date as he was currently in discussions with staff. “We are hoping to relocate some staff to our other cinemas in Porirua and Wellington,” he said.
KCNews spoke with Coastlands chairman of directors Bruce Mansell who confirmed Coastlands was in negotiations with another cinema group to take over the space.
“We are in discussions with two parties, both of whom seem very keen and we are hoping to sign an agreement soon. We believe Coastlands and the people of Kāpiti will end up with an improved modern facility.”
Mr Mansell said the refurbishment of the cinema complex fits in well with plans to revamp the foodcourt.
“We have all the consents in place and it is planned to have the work completed by November.”
Coastlands centre manager Jan Forrest told KCNews “the closure was very sad for the staff, particularly in the current environment.
“Coastlands is thriving at present so the closure is disappointing. However it provides an opportunity for a new complex and the timing is right for the other changes we are making. The cinema has been long overdue for an upgrade. From our current negotiations we expect a new cinema operator to have a substantial upgrade to new technology.”
Cinema staff have been asked not to discuss the closure with the media.
Shoreline Cinema in Waikanae can expect a boost in patronage as a consequence of the Reading closure.
Shoreline’s Shane Jarrett told KCNews he did not put the demise of Readings in Kāpiti to a lack of interest in movies.
“Shoreline is going fantastically. The movie Boy is breaking New Zealand box office records and most of our sessions are sold out.”
