Screen Time, Not Travel Time – Keep Cinema in Enfield

With the recent announcement of Enfield’s Cineworld closure, many residents are understandably disappointed. While it’s no secret that this particular cinema has struggled in recent years, that doesn’t mean Enfield doesn’t need a cinema—it simply needs one that fits the needs and scale of the local community.

Should Enfield lose its only cinema?

If we take Enfield Town train station as a central point, the nearest alternatives are:

• Odeon – 3.1 miles away
• Cineworld - 4.1 miles
• VUE - 4.6 miles
• Everyman – 5.4 miles away
• VUE – 6.7 miles away

These are not easily accessible for everyone, particularly young people, the elderly, or those without cars, unable to travel etc. 

As Enfield sees a rise in housing developments, our population continues to grow. With this growth comes an increased demand for:

• Jobs that support the local economy
• Social spaces and activities that foster community and reduce antisocial behaviour

The pandemic drastically altered the arts and entertainment landscape, but now is the time to rebuild—not withdraw. Cinemas are not just places to watch films; they are essential cultural and economic assets.

According to the British Film Institute (BFI), UK cinemas contribute over £1 billion annually in direct economic value. Beyond that, they generate an additional £600,000 per cinema per year in social and community value.

 

 

Let’s invest in a right-sized, community-driven cinema for Enfield—not remove one altogether.

Let’s choose screen time over travel time. Let’s keep cinema in Enfield.

🎥 Why Cinema Matters in Enfield 

Screen Time, Not Travel Time – Keep Cinema in Enfield

With the recent announcement of Enfield’s Cineworld closure, many residents are understandably disappointed. While it’s no secret that this particular cinema has struggled in recent years, that doesn’t mean Enfield doesn’t need a cinema—it simply needs one that fits the needs and scale of the local community.

Should Enfield lose its only cinema?

If we take Enfield Town train station as a central point, the nearest alternatives are:

Odeon – 3.1 miles away
Cineworld - 4.1 miles
VUE - 4.6 miles
Everyman – 5.4 miles away
VUE – 6.7 miles away

These are not easily accessible for everyone, particularly young people, the elderly, or those without cars, unable to travel etc. 

As Enfield sees a rise in housing developments, our population continues to grow. With this growth comes an increased demand for:

Jobs that support the local economy
Social spaces and activities that foster community and reduce antisocial behaviour.

The pandemic drastically altered the arts and entertainment landscape, but now is the time to rebuild—not withdraw. Cinemas are not just places to watch films; they are essential cultural and economic assets.

According to the British Film Institute (BFI), UK cinemas contribute over £1 billion annually in direct economic value. Beyond that, they generate an additional £600,000 per cinema per year in social and community value.

Let’s invest in a right-sized, community-driven cinema for Enfield—not remove one altogether.

Let’s choose screen time over travel time. Let’s keep the cinema in Enfield.

1. Community and Culture

Cinemas are more than entertainment venues—they're shared cultural spaces that bring people together.
They provide access to diverse films, stories, and experiences, helping to promote understanding, empathy, and local engagement.

Hosting film screenings, local events, and festivals can help build a strong sense of community.

2. Accessibility

Without a local cinema, residents—especially young people, the elderly, and those without private transport—are cut off from easy access to cultural entertainment.

Travelling 3+ miles to the nearest cinema adds cost, time, and inconvenience, excluding many from enjoying the experience altogether.

3. Economic Benefits

Cinemas support local jobs: from front-of-house staff to projectionists to maintenance workers.

They boost surrounding businesses: restaurants, cafes, and shops benefit from increased footfall, especially during evenings and weekends.

According to the British Film Institute, UK cinemas contribute over £1 billion annually in direct economic value—and an additional £600,000 per cinema in social and community value.

4. Supporting Young People

Local cinemas provide safe, social spaces for young people to gather, learn, and connect.

Access to film is often a gateway to wider creative industries—sparking interest in storytelling, filmmaking, and the arts.

5. Reducing Antisocial Behaviour

Accessible social spaces like cinemas offer positive alternatives to boredom and loitering, helping reduce antisocial behaviour.

A vibrant town centre with engaging amenities contributes to a stronger, safer community.

6. Post-Pandemic Recovery

After the isolation of lockdowns, people crave shared experiences. Local cinemas offer a way to reconnect with others in a relaxed, enjoyable setting.
Investing in cultural infrastructure is essential to rebuilding resilient, thriving towns.

Growth of Cinemas with Event Screenings
According to historical reporting, cinemas showing ballet, opera or theatre performances in the UK rose from fewer than 100 venues to around 250 venues over a period of a few years (pre-mid-2010s), reflecting early growth of the “event cinema” model.

Live cinema screenings massively democratise access to high-quality arts:

People outside London (or far from major venues like the National Theatre or Royal Opera House) can experience world-class productions locally.

Tickets are much cheaper than live theatre or opera seats.

They’re more accessible for:

Older audiences
Disabled audiences
People new to “high art” who might feel intimidated by traditional venues

Would a new cinema be commercially viable?

Cinemas can be commercially viable in small towns, but it's not guaranteed. Viability depends on several local and business factors, not just population.

As well as standard programming, a town cinema can become the area's main entertainment hub, helping to sustain steady audience numbers by engaging closely with the community.

By hosting community screenings, Q&As, film festivals, and family-friendly events, and by partnering with local schools and groups, the cinema builds regular local support. Diversified revenue streams—such as private hires for birthdays or club meetings, live events including plays, music, or talks, special screenings of classic or themed films, and enhanced food and beverage offerings—reduce reliance on ticket sales alone. With smart programming, even limited showtimes can achieve strong attendance.

Small-town cinemas tend to be viable when they:

🍿 Serve a community with limited alternatives
🍿 Act as a multi-use entertainment space
🍿 Diversify income beyond tickets
🍿 Keep costs lean
🍿 Connect culturally with the local audience

👉 This directly supports UK cultural policy goals around widening participation and regional equality.