Vue, one of the UK's biggest cinema chains with 94 venues nationwide, has closed its flagship cinema in Cardiff city centre for the final time. The venue at Stadium Plaza shut its doors on June 25, 2026, after more than 20 years of operation.
Closure Announcement and Staff Consultation
Earlier in June, Vue announced the impending closure and said it was consulting with staff members over the prospect of redundancy. The company did not specify a date at the time but stated: “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.”
Following the closure, Vue removed its Cardiff film listings from its website, where a message read: "The credits may be rolling in Cardiff but Vue is still open in Cwmbran, Merthyr and Swansea."
History and Significance of the Cardiff Venue
Vue first opened the Cardiff location in 2005, situated next to the iconic Principality Stadium and a short walk from Cardiff Central train station. The cinema was known for its views across the River Taff and featured seven screens. Its closure comes during a period when major summer blockbusters such as Toy Story 5, Disclosure Day, Scary Movie, Masters of the Universe, Obsession, and Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu are being released.
Vue's Position in the UK Cinema Market
With 94 branches and a total of 916 screens, Vue is the UK's third-largest cinema chain, behind Odeon and Cineworld. The closure of the Cardiff flagship represents a significant loss for the chain and the local community.
