The Curzon cinema in Ripon is to close on July 1.

The company said the Ripon venue faced “specific challenges” and the site “is not suited to the long-term direction we have taken”.

The venue’s nine staff were informed of the decision yesterday.

Curzon confirmed the news to the Stray Ferret this afternoon after a source informed us of the closure.

“Unfortunately, your information is correct, the cinema is due to close on July 1.

“The cinema has specific challenges that have meant it has not recovered as we hoped after the pandemic.

“In recent years, with several new purpose-built cinemas opening in the area, the local audience has been spread too thinly for Ripon to thrive.”

Mr Garriock added:

“The site is not suited to the long-term direction we have taken post-pandemic, driven by increased customer focus on hospitality, for example, the rooftop and pizza kitchen offering at Curzon Kingston.

“I am aware the news is a disappointment to both the staff and the local community, who share a love for the cinema.”

The Curzon is on North Street in Ripon

Curzon, which has 17 cinemas, was founded in 1934 and is known for showing art house films. It runs membership schemes that encourage people to watch films throughout the year.

The source that contacted the Stray Ferret urged people in Ripon that any queries resulting from the closure must be dealt with online and that nothing could be sorted in the cinema on North Street.

They appealed to people not to abuse staff.

Mr Garriock said “there will be no issue with customers requesting refunds for memberships they might have taken out” and urged people to call the customer helpline on 01233 555644.

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The finishing touches are being put in place ahead of Thursday’s reopening of Ripon’s Curzon Cinema.

More than 18 months after the two-screen cinema closed its doors because of the coronavirus crisis, filmgoers will be able to take their seats for the much-anticipated James Bond blockbuster, No Time to Die.

Daniel Craig’s fifth and final appearance as 007 looks sure to attract large audiences.

The 8.30pm screening on Thursday is already sold out, but tickets are still available for the 5pm and 7pm showings of the film.

Ripon Curzon is set to reopen on Thursday.

Screening times, membership and bookings details for the Ripon venue are now available online.

With two screens, the premises on North Street are the smallest of Curzon’s 14 UK locations.

Initial plans to reopen on 4 June were put on hold due to social distancing issues caused by the venue’s size.

When announcing the reopening, Becky Tobin, regional manager for cinema chain, said the team was “very excited” to finally be back:

She told the Stray Ferret:

“We are thrilled that our customers will also be seeing some familiar faces as a lot of the team decided to return and are looking forward to seeing our regulars and members again.

“The returning team, along with the new recruits, have been getting into the swing of things with some onsite training of our revamped food and drink menu.”

The venue will welcome back its patrons with James Bond-inspired martinis.

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The cinema, which opened in Ripon in November 2013, is part of a BAFTA award-winning company that allows members to view films at home through its streaming service, as well as in Curzon venues across the UK.

As the covid lockdown restrictions on cinemas and live theatre were progressively eased by the government this year, the Curzon remained closed in Ripon, sparking fears the city’s only cinema would not reopen.

The Curzon cinema in Ripon is set to reopen on September 30 with a screening of Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond in No Time To Die.

The two-screen North Street venue has been closed since the first covid lockdown in March last year.

Plans for it to reopen on June 4 were put on hold due to social distancing problems caused by the venue’s small size.

Becky Tobin, regional manager for Curzon, said the team was “very excited” to finally be reopening:

“We are thrilled that you will also be seeing some familiar faces as a lot of the team have decided to return and are looking forward to seeing our regulars and members again.

“The returning team, along with the new recruits, will be getting into the swing of things in the next few weeks with some onsite training of our revamped food and drink menu.”

The venue will welcome back its patrons with James Bond-inspired martinis.

Tickets will be for sale online as early as next week.

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The cinema, which opened in Ripon in November 2013, is part of a BAFTA award-winning company that allows members to view films at home through its streaming service, as well as in Curzon venues across the UK.

As the covid lockdown restrictions on cinemas and live theatre were progressively eased by the government earlier this year, the Curzon remained closed in Ripon, sparking fears the city’s only cinema would not reopen.