Omniplex Renfrew Street has reopened the first phase of its £22 million transformation, welcoming film fans back inside Glasgow’s landmark cinema while work continues across the building throughout the summer. The ground floor, shop and first two screen levels are now open to the public, with tickets and current film listings available through Omniplex. The remaining screen levels will reopen in phases, with the full renovation expected to be completed in September.
Located in the former Cineworld building, the Renfrew Street venue is recognised as the world’s tallest cinema. Omniplex took over the Glasgow city-centre site following Cineworld’s closure in September 2025 and has since begun a major upgrade of the building.
Once complete, the cinema will feature 15 upgraded screens with fully reclining luxury seats, sofa beds and double recliners, which are being introduced at an Omniplex venue for the first time. Plans also include a full sofa-bed auditorium and a new 4D E-Motion screen.
Four OmniplexMAXX screens will form part of the transformed venue, including the largest MAXX auditorium anywhere in the company’s circuit. The screen will feature Dolby Atmos sound, 4K Barco laser projection and more than 300 premium seats.
The 4D E-Motion auditorium is scheduled to launch as part of the next stage of the redevelopment in September. The 128-seat screen will add moving seats and physical effects to selected films, bringing another new viewing option to the Renfrew Street cinema.
Omniplex’s luxury cinema concept, The Avenue, will also be located on the top floor and accessed through a separate entrance. Further details about its opening are expected as the phased renovation continues.
A rebuilt foyer and lounge area are already part of the new-look venue, with comfort placed at the centre of the redesign. Food and drink will be available from a special edition of Joe’s Food Truck, housed inside a shipping container and serving 24-inch pizzas, fried chicken, burgers, soft drinks and cocktails.
Paul John Anderson, Director of Omniplex Cinemas, said it had been an honour to give the landmark cinema “a new lease of life.” He added: “With a total investment of £22 million, our transformation of Omniplex Renfrew Street brings the very best modern cinema to the city. With four OmniplexMAXX screens, including our largest ever featuring Dolby Atmos sound, premium reclining seating and sofa beds, we’re proud to offer an elevated cinema experience for Glasgow audiences.”
The Renfrew Street redevelopment forms part of Omniplex Cinema Group’s wider £60 million expansion programme, which has included work at cinemas across Great Britain, including Clydebank, Sunderland, Wigan and Birmingham.
For CultureCues, it is brilliant to see Glasgow’s iconic Renfrew Street cinema welcoming audiences again. Many local film fans, including us, have years of memories attached to the building, and the scale of this upgrade gives it an exciting future. With luxury recliners, huge MAXX screens and several more areas still to open, we are looking forward to seeing the full transformation completed in September.
Omniplex Renfrew Street is now open, with the remaining areas of the cinema set to launch in phases throughout the summer.
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling and the moments shaping modern entertainment.