Almost a third of UK independent cinemas say they are at risk

Leigh Film Factory in Greater Manchester, among the independent venues surveyed, is run on a not-for-profit basis. Photograph: The Historic England Archive/PA

Almost a third of independent cinemas face closure within next three to five years without investment, according to new research.

A survey conducted by the Independent Cinema Office (ICO) found that 31% of independent cinemas and mixed arts venues in the UK said they would not be able to remain operational without capital investment, while a further 28% were unsure of their future viability.