Vue, one of Britain's largest cinema chains with 94 locations nationwide, has permanently closed its flagship venue in Cardiff city centre after 21 years. The Stadium Plaza site, which opened in 2005 adjacent to the Principality Stadium and near Cardiff Central railway station, screened its final film on June 25, 2026.
Closure Announcement and Staff Impact
The company confirmed earlier in June that closure was imminent and entered consultations with employees regarding potential redundancies. A statement at the time said: "We can confirm that our site at Stadium Plaza will be closing later this month. We are consulting with our Cardiff colleagues, who are our priority, and until this point, we will continue to provide cinemagoers in Cardiff the very best big screen experience."
Listings for the venue have been removed from Vue's website, where a notice now states: "The credits may be rolling in Cardiff but Vue is still open in Cwmbran, Merthyr and Swansea."
Industry Context and Summer Blockbusters
The closure comes as major summer releases hit screens, including Toy Story 5, Disclosure Day, Scary Movie, Masters of the Universe, Obsession, and Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu. Vue ranks as the UK's third-largest cinema operator with 916 screens across its estate, trailing Odeon and Cineworld.
The Cardiff venue, situated along the River Taff, was known for panoramic city views and featured seven screens. According to The Mirror, the closure marks the end of a 21-year run for the site, which opened in 2005.
