Ricky Durkin

6:30am - 10:00am

Email the studio

Paul Young

Love Of The Common People

Listen Live

Could Ripon's Curzon cinema be set for a revival?

Wednesday, 13 November 2024 08:03

Could Curzon Cinema in Ripon be set for a revival? (Image: Visit Ripon)

Ripon's Curzon cinema could be set for a revival after the chain was acquired by Poundstretcher owner Fortress.

The group has 16 cinemas across the UK - including in Ripon, which closed in June last year.

But the cinema could yet be revived, after Fortress Investment Group announced that it has bought the chain for an undisclosed sum.

Curzon remains one of the oldest cinema chains in the UK.

It was first established in 1934 by Harold Wingate, with its first site in London’s Mayfair, before being acquired by billionaire Charles Cohen in 2019.

However in recent years the company had been making a loss.

It was put up for auction earlier this year, alongside its distribution arm and streaming platform.

Allison Swayze, the managing director at Fortress, said:

“Curzon is an iconic film company, with global recognition for its long legacy of releasing and connecting independent and critically acclaimed films to UK audiences.

“We’re pleased to acquire Curzon, and bring our support to the company’s dedicated team.”

Fortress said the deal would secure the jobs of 350 staff.

More from Local News

National recognition for Harrogate's floral displays

Harrogate BID has been shortlisted for a national award for its summer floral trail.
Linton asylum centre could cost taxpayers £270m, campaigners tell Treasury

Campaigners fighting plans for an asylum centre at Linton-on-Ouse have called for a Treasury investigation amid claims the facility could cost taxpayers more than £270m despite potentially operating for just two years.
Harrogate school closed and homes affected after burst water main

A burst water main is affecting water supplies in parts of Harrogate and Knaresborough this morning - and a primary school has been forced to close.
Three-day Christmas market set to return to Ripon

Ripon's Market Place will host a three-day Christmas market next month, featuring independent traders, festive food and seasonal entertainment.
WATCH: Police dog tracks down suspect after vehicle thefts near Harrogate

Five men have been jailed after two vehicles were stolen from a business near Harrogate, with police dog Rhun tracking down one suspect hiding in a bush.
A look inside the £4million Omaze house near Harrogate

A £4million house near Harrogate, complete with its own lake, library and tennis court, is up for grabs in an Omaze prize draw.
Harrogate pupils win 'Best Young Cast' award at Edinburgh Fringe

Current and former pupils at Harrogate’s Ashville have won a ‘Best Young Cast’ award following their debut at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Harrogate's Duchy College plants oak tree gifted by King Charles

Duchy College in Harrogate has planted a commemorative oak tree gifted by King Charles III during his visit to the school in May.
After-dark adventure golf coming to Harrogate this Halloween

Rudding Park is launching an after-dark version of its Yorkshire-themed adventure golf course this Halloween.
Gareth Southgate coaching session up for grabs at Glitter Ball

A private coaching session with Sir Gareth Southgate is among the experiences up for grabs at this year’s Martin House Glitter Ball in Harrogate.
Council responds to Harrogate Civic Society's heritage concerns

North Yorkshire Council is set to meet Harrogate Civic Society to discuss concerns about the condition of the town’s heritage.
Libraries host free events to help people feel confident online

Residents are being encouraged to get support in navigating the online world as libraries in North Yorkshire host free events and activities during Get Online Week.
Discover what's next at Harrogate Grammar School's Sixth Form

Choosing what comes after GCSEs is a big decision – and Harrogate Grammar School is inviting students to explore the possibilities at its upcoming Sixth Form Open Evening.
Harrogate sewing tutor turns redundancy into chance to follow her passion

A Harrogate sewing tutor is helping adults and children learn new skills after turning her hobby into a business.
Big Harrogate Sleepout raises more than £15,000 for local charities

More than £15,000 has been raised for two Harrogate charities following a night sleeping outdoors at Harrogate Rugby Club.
Yorkshire households could see £27 cut to water bills

Yorkshire Water customers could see an average £27 reduction applied to their bills after the company missed performance targets.
Two-day comic convention set to return to Harrogate

Thousands of comic fans and cosplayers are expected in Harrogate next month as Thought Bubble returns to the town.
North Yorkshire Police win national award for farm crime prevention project

North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Task Force has won a national award for a crime prevention project covering more than 1,500 farms.
Harrogate charities team up to furnish new property for homeless people

Harrogate furniture reuse charity Essential Needs has helped furnish a new property for local homeless charity Lifeline Harrogate.
Is Allerton Park incinerator improving or just working 'less badly', councillors ask

Opposition councillors have questioned whether North Yorkshire's waste incinerator is genuinely improving or simply performing "less badly" than before.