Overview
AMENDMENT: JANUARY 8, 2020 — Since publication of this story, it has come to Concrete Playground's attention that United Cinemas is taking over the Opera Quays site. The below text has been updated to reflect this information.
In big news for Sydney cinephiles — especially those who like seeing films at a harbourside cinema — the projectors at Opera Quays are about to change hands. After 20 years operating in the prime CBD location, Dendy Cinemas will will close the curtains on its Circular Quay venue in February as the site undergoes a total refurbishment.
In a statement, the Australian chain announced that its lease at Opera Quays had not been renewed, forcing the site to shut its doors. Those keen to head to the basement-level picture palace for a last movie at the cinema as it is will have until Wednesday, February 26 to visit. Dendy's other Sydney cinema in Newtown isn't affected by the closure, and will continue screening films in its King Street digs.
It's not all bad news, though — the three-cinema complex will be taken over by United Cinemas, which currently runs three venues on the northern beaches as well as a few others across the country. In a Facebook post earlier this year, the group announced it will be completely refurbishing the site, promising a "grand lux" cinema experience.
Opera Quays currently plays host to a number of Sydney's film festivals — including the annual Sydney Film Festival each June and the Korean Film Festival in Australia in August — but it remains to be seen if it will continue to do so under new ownership.
Circular Quay has been undergoing quite the facelift in recent years. A huge dining precinct opened back in 2016, while another is slated to launch late this year — and a new public square has also been mooted.
Find Dendy Opera Quays at Shop 9, 2 East Circular Quay, Sydney until Wednesday, February 26. From February 27, it will operate as United Cinemas Opera Quays.