Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$1/
(min cost $8)
Login or signup to continue reading
Reading Cinemas Dubbo have delayed their closure by a week and will now close their doors on May 7, unless a last minute deal can be done to keep them here permanently.
A spokesperson for Reading in Dubbo confirmed the cinema will remain open in the Riverdale Shopping Centre for a another week but wouldn't comment on why the decision had been made.
There has been speculation in recent weeks suggesting a new contract could still be agreed to, but as of last week both Reading and Riverdale Shopping Centre owners Charter Hall have remained adamant no deal will be done.
The situation has been shrouded in mystery since it was announced last month that Reading Cinemas had decided not to renew their lease.
At the time they claimed high costs of leasing was the main reason behind the decision but did suggest they would be willing to stay in Dubbo if they could find another location.
Rumours have circulated that a new tenant has been found for the soon to be vacant building but that has also remained unconfirmed.
Last week the founder and managing director of Sentinel Property Group, Warren Ebert, confirmed he had looked at Riverdale Shopping Centre.
He denied he is interested in purchasing Riverdale at this stage, but he said he still wasn't convinced Reading will actually leave.
"A lot of talk goes around and people have nothing better to do.
"Until Reading closes the doors I won't believe they are going. Everyone loves to negotiate," he said.
Attempts to reach both Reading Cinema head office and Charter Hall were made yesterday but neither could be contacted before close of business.
