Business leaders in Weymouth are hoping to 'revitalise' the axed Cineworld Cinema complex.

The news comes as a petition to keep the cinema on New Bond Street is gathering momentum with more than 500 signatures already registered. 

As reported, the shock announcement was made last week by the company which said its Weymouth site will close.

It cited discussions with its landlord which it said had 'rejected our proposals' as the reason for the closure.

The business, which is part of the world’s second-largest cinema chain, has struggled since the Covid pandemic as audiences have failed to return to previous levels.

In the summer, Cineworld announced plans to shut a number of sites across the UK as part of major restructuring plans - although Weymouth was not on the list - but it will close on December 30.

News of the closure has also left residents concerned for the town centre's future after becoming the latest leisure facility to disappear.

In 2019 the town lost its bowling alley after the MFA Bowl in St Nicholas Street shut down and in January a planning application was approved to demolish the site. 

Many residents of the town have now signed the petition to keep the cinema open.

Karen Read, who started it writes that the Cineworld Cinema is a 'cornerstone of our social lives' and said that the town is 'gradually transforming into a ghost town'.

She also believes the cinema plays 'significant role' in supporting other local business such as restaurants and retailers and that the closure 'will rob us' of one of the few socializing spaces left in the town.

The petition calls for 'Cineworld and local authorities to reconsider their decision of closing the cinema'.

However, as Cineworld previously stated, the closure is due to a disagreement with the landlords of the site and the closure has nothing to do with the local councils. 

One supporter of Karen's petition said that the town is 'nearly dead' and the closure would be 'the final nail in the coffin'.

Another person to sign the petition added: "People need something to do as lots of places have closed in Weymouth..this is the only thing left.if it closes what is there to do for children."

Business leaders from the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce (WPCC) are also looking into ways the site could be  repurposed.

READ: Weymouth Cineworld cinema complex to close on December 30

WPCC president Dominque Manasseri said: "The closure of the cinema in Weymouth is a significant loss to our community, both culturally and economically.

“It served as a vital social hub and brought people into the town centre, supporting local businesses.

“As a Chamber, we are committed to exploring opportunities to revitalize this space and ensure Weymouth remains a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike."

Weymouth Town Council has also voiced its support to bring new businesses into the area.

A spokesperson for the town council added: "We are sorry to see this facility go and will work closely with our partners to support future prospective businesses in the area."

READ: Demolition plans for MFA Bowl in Weymouth by Dorset Council