An independent cinema supported with almost £1million in funding from Sutton Council closed yesterday (Sunday, 9 November), after opening for just over a year. The closure follows news that the site's operator, Really Local Group, has entered administration.

Staff were informed, and the council, which owns the building, says it is now looking for a new tenant, with an announcement expected in the coming weeks. The four-screen cinema, housed in the former Chicago Rock Café nightclub, opened in September last year with a 15-year lease.

Alongside council investment, the venue was supported with £1.42million in grants through the government's Future High Street scheme. However, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands the venue has experienced financial difficulties throughout its existence.

The LDRS understands that staff were informed last week but had to wait until the council's announcement on Thursday (6 November). The venue was empty when it visited last week, but sources say staff had experienced late payments in recent months.

Earlier this year, London Centric reported how the Really Local Group had experienced debts that reportedly led to leading major distributors withholding new film releases over Christmas, forcing staff to turn away families and instead screen lesser-known arthouse titles.

Further disruption came in October when construction work on the new Lidl store next door was causing persistent drilling during some performances. Following the announcement, Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Sutton Council, expressed disappointment at the closure.

He said: "Throwley Yard had remained unoccupied for a number of years before the council, with the help of funding from the government, brought the building back to life.

"I am disappointed that this independent cinema did not work. But where other High Streets across the UK are declining, Sutton is thriving. Over 90% of shops in Sutton are occupied and I am confident that we will soon find another business for this fantastic space."

Throwley Yard had stood empty since 2013 before its redevelopment as part of the council's plan to diversify Sutton's High Street. Really Local Group was appointed as the council's delivery partner in 2022 following a three-stage selection process.

The project gained planning permission in January 2023, with construction beginning later that year and a formal opening held in September 2024. Really Local Group has opened similar venues across London, but several, including their venues in Ealing and Sidcup, have since closed.

Sutton Council says it remains committed to ensuring the site continues to contribute to Sutton's town centre economy and cultural offer.

Really Local Group were contacted for comment but failed to respond in time for publication.