End of an Era for Orchard Road Cinema
Golden Village Multiplex has announced the closure of its long-standing cinema at Plaza Singapura, effective August 16, 2026. The outlet, which has been a fixture of the shopping mall since 1998, is ceasing operations to accommodate a comprehensive “major revamp” of the mall premises. According to the cinema operator, the closure will occur in phases, with six halls hosting their final screenings on August 2, followed by the complete shutdown two weeks later.
Golden Village CEO Clara Cheo expressed gratitude to the patrons and partners who have supported the venue over the past 28 years. In an effort to acknowledge its history, the company has launched a series of farewell initiatives, including a social media contest where the winner will receive a private cinema screening party at the GV Cineleisure location, and a promotional campaign offering complimentary snacks to eligible moviegoers.
Institutional Context and Redevelopment
The decision to shutter the Plaza Singapura outlet is directly linked to the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) broader urban planning strategy. The project aims to pedestrianise the Orchard Road stretch fronting the mall and expand the nearby Istana Park. The redevelopment, which is slated to take place between the third quarter of 2026 and the fourth quarter of 2028, necessitates significant structural changes to the mall’s tenant mix.
While Golden Village maintains that it has no immediate plans to shutter any of its 16 remaining outlets in Singapore, the closure follows a trend of attrition in the local cinema landscape. In 2025, the Cathay Cineplexes chain ceased all operations in Singapore, and Golden Village recently shuttered its Tiong Bahru Plaza location earlier this year. The departure of GV Plaza Singapura, a venue particularly noted by fans for its focus on niche content like anime screenings, signals a shift in how retail spaces in the Orchard Road district are being optimized for higher foot traffic and public space integration.