Curzon, HMV partner to jointly develop up to 20 more in-store cinemas

After a successful trial of the hmvcurzon in Wimbledon, London, Curzon Cinemas will work with HMV to jointly develop more new cinemas, the companies said.

They could open as many as 20 co-branded cinemas over the next few years.

The hmvcurzon concept will bring cinema to local neighbourhoods via select HMV stores. The trial run in Wimbledon saw a digital three-screen cinema and cafe open in October in HMV’s existing store there.

Philip Knatchbull, CEO of Curzon Artificial Eye, said: “We are delighted with the success of our trial cinema with HMV at Wimbledon.  It has clearly demonstrated there is a need for high quality, high tech cinemas with café-bar spaces, delivering varied films and programming that’s tailored to the demands of the local community. Working with the HMV Group will ensure a perfect match of central high street locations and a wealth of exciting programming opportunities - be it the latest Hollywood blockbusters, independent award winners, activities for kids, or live broadcasts of opera, concerts and sporting events.”

Simon Fox, CEO of HMV, added: “We’re really pleased that there’s been such a positive response to the hmvcurzon trial in Wimbledon.  We feel there is now a viable platform to roll the concept out to other locations within the business.”