Bishop Auckland Celebrates Opening of First Cinema in 40 Years

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 28, 2026 9:17 AM ET

Bishop Auckland Celebrates Opening of First Cinema in 40 Years

A new seven-screen Reel Cinema opened this week at the Bishop Auckland Retail and Leisure Park. The launch ends a 40-year absence of a dedicated cinema in Bishop Auckland.

Launch event and community reaction

Residents, filmmakers and community representatives attended a launch event ahead of the first public screenings. Many described the opening as long-awaited and welcomed the return of the big screen.

Local voices included Anne Graham and other long-term residents. Chamber of Commerce member Simon Land recalled the town’s former Odeon cinema.

Local creatives and education partnerships

Filmmakers and festival directors celebrated the venue as a boost for regional film. Dean Midas and Michael Smith called it vital for local talent and screenings.

Michael Luke, director of the Tees Valley International Film Festival, highlighted opportunities for exposure and collaboration. College staff said the cinema will offer work placements and staff training.

Management and company background

Cinema manager Mark Turner said the venue aims to be a community hub. He wants accessible screenings so people avoid long journeys to Darlington.

Reel Cinemas director Sunil Suri noted a personal connection to the town. He revealed a coffee bar named in honour of his late father, who founded Reel.

Facilities and programming

The site features state-of-the-art laser projection for sharper, brighter images. Amenities include a licensed bar, an integrated coffee shop, and a private hire screen.

Spaces are available for parties, schools, corporate events and community use. The cinema will offer subtitled, autism-friendly, parent-and-baby, and senior screenings.

Retail park context

The new cinema completes the first phase of the retail and leisure park development. It joins Home Bargains and the Game On bowling and arcade, which opened in October.