Cineworld aims to reopen UK cinemas on July 10

Cineworld has outlined its latest reopening plan, with the chain’s UK sites set to start showing films again from July 10.

The firm saw its entire estate of 787 cinemas in 10 countries have to close due to the coronavirus crisis and lockdowns. It now plans to start trading from some branches during the last weeks of June, and have all sites open over the course of next month.

The company, which this month said it no longer plans to proceed with a deal to buy Canada’s Cineplex​ chain in a C$2.8 billion agreement, will introduce measures to promote social distancing.

Cineworld said it has updated its booking system to ensure social distancing within sites, and adapted daily movie schedules to manage queues and avoid the build-up of crowds in lobbies. It has also enhanced cleaning procedures.

Chief executive Mooky Greidinger said: “We are thrilled to be back and encouraged by recent surveys that show that many people have missed going to the movie theatre."

Greidinger added: “With a strong slate confirmed for the coming weeks, including among others Tenet, Mulan, A Quiet Place Part II, Wonder Women 1984, Black Widow, Bond, Soul, Top Gun Maverick and many more, the entire Cineworld team remains committed to being ‘the best place to watch a movie’”.

Cineworld, which had a $3.5 billion net debt pile as at December 31, last month secured some financial breathing space to help it ride out the virus crisis. The group secured a waiver on loan covenant and agreed $110 million (£89.7 million) of extra liquidity through an increase in its revolving credit facility.

These are the scheduled opening dates. These are subject to final clarifications on various government Covid-19 restrictions in certain territories.

• US: July 10th

• UK: July 10th

• Poland: July 3rd

• Czech Republic: June 26th

• Slovakia: June 26th

• Israel: July 9th

• Bulgaria: July 3rd

• Hungary and Romania: to be confirmed (anticipated for week of July 3rd)