World’s tallest cinema set to reopen in 2026 under new owners.
Earlier this year, Cineworld Renfrew Street, the tallest cinema in the world, shut its doors for the last time. The building was transferred back to its owners, leaving many Glaswegians wondering what future lay ahead for the 13-storey landmark. In October, it was announced that Omniplex, an Irish cinema chain, would be taking over the building. This will be the second Omniplex cinema to open in Scotland, after the former Empire Cinema in Clydebank was taken over in 2023. After extensive refurbishments, Omniplex Renfrew Street is set to open in Summer 2026, complete with a Joe’s Food Truck restaurant.
Once home to Green’s Playhouse and later the legendary Glasgow Apollo, the iconic Renfrew Street block is set to remain an entertainment hotspot under the new ownership. Remarkably, Cineworld operated for twice as long as the Apollo, running for 24 years as one of the city’s most renowned cinemas. With plenty of memorable moments throughout its history, such as surprise appearances from Pharrell Williams and Harry Styles, as well as many film premieres, Glaswegian film fans were sad to see it close in September.
One of Cineworld’s defining features was the Unlimited Card, which made regular moviegoing far more affordable for avid film fans by offering unlimited access to movies for a monthly fee. Omniplex offers a similar service known as MyOmniPass, which grants users access to every film alongside additional perks. Omniplex Cinemas director Paul John Anderson called the Renfrew Street building “one of Glasgow’s most iconic cultural landmarks and a cornerstone of the wider UK cinema industry.” Given its prominence, the closure of Cineworld will greatly impact Glasgow’s cultural scene.
Glasgow has historically been a film-loving city. In the 1930s, it boasted over 100 cinemas, with more per capita than any other city in the world. However, throughout the decades, more and more cinemas have closed. To lose yet another, as iconic as Cineworld – the modern-day symbol for Glasgow’s cinephilic reputation – a near-unfillable gap is left. The film-loving qualities of Glasgow were still visible when Cineworld was open, but now that it is closed, the city’s cinematic heartbeat has slowed in tempo. The communal experience of going to the cinema has been further disrupted. The closure of Cineworld is more than just another venue shutting as it reflects the growing dominance of streaming services and the gradual decline of traditional cinemagoing. Omniplex will undoubtedly face the pressure of living up to Cineworld’s standards moving into the 18-screened building next summer.
Until then, Glasgow’s cultural scene will remain heavily impacted by Cineworld’s closure. The Cineworld sign that once loomed over Sauchiehall Street is no longer lit, and Glasgow’s identity as a cinephilic city grows more invisible. The Renfrew Street block has had many eras, from Green’s Playhouse to the Glasgow Apollo to Cineworld. Now, in this new era, it is Omniplex who are left with the substantial responsibility of rejuvenating Glasgow’s film scene. Will they live up to Cineworld’s standards, or will they continue the downward trajectory that Cineworld faced before its closure? We’ll just have to wait and see.
Image Credit: The Sun