Croydon Grants Cinema Return After Vue Closure 2026

Key Points

• Vue Cinema at Grants Entertainment Centre in Croydon closed on April 9, 2026, after over two decades of operation, citing anti-social behaviour and declining footfall as key factors.
• Owners MGI Holdings, who acquired the site in January 2026, have indicated a major cinema could return to the historic site, part of Croydon since 1895.
• Croydon Mayor Jason Perry met with MGI Holdings and expressed encouragement over their ambitions, including advanced discussions with leisure operators for bowling, interactive sports, and a new bar.
• Nuffield Health and Nando’s are reviewing their leases at Grants, amid a series of retailer exits including 101 Records, Five Guys, and Flying Tiger.
• The closure prompted online backlash from residents concerned about the future of the town centre’s night-time economy and cinema access.
• MGI Holdings plans an ambitious regeneration to reinvigorate the 160,840 sq ft property as a leisure hub.
• David Lean Cinema campaigners blamed the closure on rent hikes by new owners, noting Vue had no intention to close initially.

Croydon (South London News) May 8, 2026 – The owner of a historic Croydon shopping centre has stated that a major cinema could return to the site following the closure of Vue Cinema last month.

What Led to the Vue Cinema Closure at Grants?

The Vue Cinema at Grants Entertainment Centre shut its doors on April 9, 2026, ending more than 20 years of operation with 10 screens in the town centre since 2000.

As reported by Inside Croydon, the closure stemmed from key factors including anti-social behaviour and declining footfall, which strained businesses in the area.

Vue announced the decision via email to customers, directing them to the nearest venue at Croydon Purley Way, though residents noted accessibility challenges for those with mobility issues.

Campaigners from the David Lean Cinema stated,

“We’re painfully aware of the sense of loss that a cinema’s closure can cause,”

highlighting the impact on Croydon’s night-time economy and local restaurants. They added,

“Crucially, the Vue had no intention to close,”

attributing the decision to rent increases by the new owners after MGI Holdings acquired the site in a multi-million-pound off-market deal from Federated Hermes in January 2026.

MGI Holdings did not respond to appeals for meetings from Labour’s Rowenna Davis, the mayoral candidate, and MP Sarah Jones to prevent the shutdown.

The closure drew significant online backlash, with residents expressing concerns over the loss of a community venue that screened mainstream hits and Bollywood films.

It followed exits by other retailers such as 101 Records, Five Guys, and Flying Tiger, amid broader challenges in Croydon’s high street.

Why Is a Major Cinema’s Return Now Possible?

MGI Holdings, advised by GCW Property Consultants with Blackstar Real Estate as asset manager, plans an ambitious regeneration of the 160,840 sq ft listed former department store to create a new leisure hub. A spokesperson for MGI Holdings said:

“We are very excited to undertake the regeneration of the Grants Entertainment Centre. The Grants Centre is a listed former department store steeped in history and now has an exciting chapter ahead. We are looking forward to creating a new leisure hub in the heart of one of London’s fastest growing suburbs.”

As reported by MyLondon, the owners cited potential for a major cinema’s return at the historic site, which has been part of Croydon since 1895.

This comes after the Vue exit, with current occupiers like Tokia Square – an Asian food court opened a year ago – remaining as the main operational business inside.

What Did Croydon Mayor Jason Perry Say about Grants’ Future?

Croydon Mayor Jason Perry, a Conservative, posted on social media on May 5, 2026, following a meeting with MGI Holdings:

“It was great to meet MGI Holdings today, the new owners of the Grants building, and hear about their plans for the site.”

He noted encouragement from their ambitions, stating that both Nuffield Health and Nando’s are reviewing their leases positively.

Mayor Perry added that advanced discussions are underway with a range of leisure operators, including potential plans for bowling, interactive sports, and a new bar. Earlier, on April 1, 2026, he wrote to the Secretary of State for Culture about the Vue closure, calling it

“a real loss for our town centre” and urging support like VAT reviews on tickets and business rates relief to aid the leisure sector. He emphasised:

“Cinemas are more than entertainment venues. They drive footfall, support surrounding businesses, and play a vital role in the economic life of our town centres.”

How Has Croydon Tackled Related Town Centre Challenges?

Anti-social behaviour has been a persistent issue, with Croydon Council extending a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in September 2025 for three more years, contributing to a 24% reduction in such incidents. Measures include rules against street drinking and harassment, following consultations with residents and businesses.

Businesses welcomed removals of benches in North End to deter gatherings, making the area “noticeably calmer and more welcoming,” as per Croydon BID.

Inside Croydon reported criticisms of Mayor Perry for no formal intervention before the closure, with the council learning of it via media. Reddit discussions highlighted developer acquisition as a trigger, with MGI announcing revamp plans to “reinvigorate its offering.”

Background of the Development

Grants Entertainment Centre, a 160,840 sq ft property in Croydon’s main retail and leisure district near Whitgift Shopping Centre, originated as a historic department store listed since 1895. It became a proven leisure destination around 2000, hosting Vue Cinema, Nuffield Health (formerly Virgin Active), Nando’s, and Tokia Square.

MGI Holdings’ January 2026 acquisition marked a shift, with initial rent pressures leading to Vue’s exit but now focusing on regeneration. The site’s location supports strong footfall from existing anchors, positioning it for leisure revival amid Croydon’s growth as a suburban hub.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Croydon Residents

This development can provide Croydon residents with renewed access to local cinema and leisure options, reducing travel needs to sites like Purley Way. It may boost town centre footfall, supporting nearby restaurants and the night-time economy, while lease reviews for Nuffield Health and Nando’s could maintain fitness and dining choices. Advanced talks for bowling, sports, and bars could diversify entertainment, addressing anti-social behaviour impacts through revitalised spaces. However, regeneration timelines and final plans will determine if these benefits materialise promptly for families, film enthusiasts, and shoppers reliant on central Croydon amenities.