Southside Cinema officially closes

Southside Cinema in St David’s has officially closed its doors and the owners says they are in discussions with possible new operators.

Bermuda’s largest cinema, run by Alden Ray for some 15 years, closed for business on December 31. In October, its owners — the Bermuda Land Development Company — ran adverts in The Royal Gazette seeking proposals, “from suitable persons interested in operating a vibrant and community friendly Movie Theatre and Entertainment Complex at Southside, St George’s”. 

The date for submissions closed in late November.

A BLDC spokesperson told the Bermuda Sun: “The Bermuda Land Development Company is building on the momentum that began with last year’s opening of the Strykz Bowling Lounge by revitalizing the Theatre at Southside.

“The BLDC is in the midst of discussions with potential new operators and it is hoped that an exciting transition will be coming soon to a theatre near us. Stay tuned for new developments.”

Mr Ray said he had plans to open his own cinema in Bermuda, possibly in the summer. Asked about the closure, Mr Ray told us: “It’s part of life — it was a combination of things. There are a few places I am looking into but I will just have to see what happens. It will be in Bermuda.”

The Southside building used to house the former theatre for the US Navy Air Station.