Spiking demand for fitness facilities and tutoring centers: Reason behind the replacement of cinemas in certain Singapore malls
Revamped Edition:
Singapore's Changing Cinema Landscape
Are you missing the good ol' days when your favorite cinema was the heart and soul of any mall? Well, those days might be long gone in Singapore, mate. Ave a gander at what's been going on!
Y'see, the rise of streaming services and folks' preference for cozying up at home with a movie marathon have dealt a heavy blow to Singapore's traditional cinemas. Think 'bout it, streaming means on-demand entertainment, whenever and wherever you fancy. It's no wonder that these dinosaurs struggle to keep their heads above water!
And the evidence? Cathay Cineplexes—owned by that listed entertainment firm, mm2 Asia—found itself deep in debt, owing millions to mall landlords back in '25. Oh, and they ain't exactly making friends with those landlords, having shut down outlets in West Mall and Jem for good. Not exactly the jolly news we 'ad hoped for, is it?
But hey, it ain't all gloom and doom. Other cinemas, like WE Cinemas (formerly Eng Wah Cinemas) and Filmgarde Cineplexes, threw in the towel, as well. They just couldn't cope with this cut-throat environment.
But fear not, all is not lost! Malls are starting to explore alternatives for those once-valuable cinema spaces. It seems there's a definite shift in how the mall operators perceive cinemas these days. Dr Samer Elhajjar, a marketing guru from the National University of Singapore's business school, reckons it's all about the pandemic speeding up a trend that was already brewing.
So instead of cinemas, you'll see gyms, indoor basketball courts, tuition centers, and even immersive restaurants taking over these vacant spaces. Pretty radical, eh? But the question remains: will these new tenants have the same drawer-pulling powers that cinemas once had?
But let's not forget that Singapore still has a hankering for film culture. Niche film festivals like the SEC Environmental Film Festival and the Italian Film Festival keep our love for cinema alive and well. These events showcase powerful, thought-provoking environmental and Italian films, drawing a crowd despite the downturn in commercial cinemas.
So, the silver screen's future in Singapore looks a little hazy at the moment, but there's still life left in the 'ole dog yet! Just be prepared for some major changes, and who knows, maybe we'll start getting more immersive cinema experiences as a result. Like a big screen at the local pub, anyone? Cheers to the future of cinema! 🍻🎬🎥
In the evolution of Singapore's once bustling cinema culture, a twist of fate unfolds as malls reconsider the traditional cinema's role. Switching gears, we might find fitness studios, health-and-wellness centers, and even lifestyle concepts taking cinema spaces, an unexpected shift spearheaded by the pandemic. On the other hand, home-and-garden concepts could one day incorporate science-driven immersive experiences akin to a big screen at the local pub, keeping our shared love for cinema alive, albeit in a new perspective.
