A Belfast-city centre cinema is to close in May after its site was bought by a software company as its new headquarters.

Kainos, a provider of digital services and platforms, has bought the Dublin Road Movie House site at Bankmore Square.

The site has planning permission for a replacement 250,00 square foot Grade A office building, although Kainos will be submitting a revised planning application. Kainos plans to move into the redeveloped building in Spring 2021.

Michael McAdam, Movie House Cinemas, managing director, said: "We've been trading at Dublin Road for 12 years but recently we've seen a big shift in cinema attendance out of Belfast city centre to suburban cinemas, which offer free parking.

"It was a very difficult decision whether to sell or reinvest in the site. It is with a heavy heart that we decided on the latter and we wish Kainos every success with the redevelopment of the site for their new headquarters.

"Dublin Road Movie House is due to close at the end of May and we hope to be in a position to offer jobs to the 33 full and part time staff members at our other cinemas at that time.

"We are a small, family owned business and would like tot hank our customers who have supported us over the years and hope to welcome them at our other cinemas."

Brendan Mooney, Kainos chief executive, said: "Our people remain central to everything we do and we want to ensure that our staff work in the best environment possible, and Bankmore Square allows us the opportunity to create a superb, modern and innovative office for our people.

“As well as the additional capacity that the office will bring, this investment, and the location of our new HQ, signals our commitment to retaining and attracting the best staff. We remain focused on providing exceptional careers and working conditions for all at Kainos and hope to close this transaction soon."

Belfast Telegraph