The recent shutdown of Cineworld, one of Loughborough’s only two cinemas, underscores a major change in the town’s entertainment offerings. Located centrally among popular restaurants and shops, Cineworld’s closure has left Odeon as the only cinema for Loughborough’s residents and student population. Despite its prime positioning in a student-heavy town, Cineworld was unable to keep the consistent flow of customers needed to remain open.
This closure follows a concerning trend of high-profile business departures in Loughborough. Just a few months ago, Revolution, a well-known bar and social spot in Baxter Gate, also shut down. The nearby Carillon Court Shopping Centre has been significantly impacted as well, with nearly half of its storefronts now vacant. Recently, popular retailers like The Body Shop, The Repair Hub, Birds, and Grape Tree have all exited. This left a noticeable gap in the town’s shopping landscape and has raised questions about the future of Loughborough’s retail sector.
The departure of Cineworld and other businesses signals broader issues facing Loughborough’s high street. The rise of online shopping and streaming has fundamentally altered consumer habits, leading to reduced foot traffic for traditional stores and cinemas. Rising operational costs, including rent and utilities, have further added to the burden, making it difficult for many businesses to stay afloat. Loughborough’s students, once a reliable customer base, are also likely spending less on entertainment and non-essentials due to growing living costs. Combined, these factors create a challenging environment for businesses in the town, pushing many to reconsider their place in a rapidly changing market.
Cineworld’s closure and the broader trend of business exits hold important implications for Loughborough’s high street. With fewer draws to bring people into town, foot traffic is likely to decline, creating a less vibrant and inviting atmosphere, which may deter new businesses from opening. Local entrepreneurs and high street retailers may need to adapt by offering more unique, experience-based services that cannot be found online, such as live events or interactive shopping experiences. However, without fresh incentives or revitalisation strategies, these closures could continue, leaving the high street in need of renewed vision. Support is needed to reinvigorate the area and draw both residents and students back to Loughborough’s town centre.
Overall, the wave of closures in Loughborough emphasises the need for a fresh approach to breathe new life into the town’s high street. By reimagining its offerings, Loughborough has the chance to revive its town centre and attract residents and students back to support local businesses.
Edited by Callum Lee
