An offer you can’t refuse…

Film fans in Waltham Forest and beyond can look forward to enjoying the magic of movies on the silver screen again from Friday 23 August 2024 as Forest Cinemas opens on Walthamstow High Street. 

Forest Cinemas is operated by independent cinema chain PDJ Cinemas and occupies the site of the former Empire, which closed unexpectedly in July 2023. Since then the council, which owns the freehold of the site, has been in discussions with a range of operators to reopen the venue. 

The building has been heavily refurbished and new, state-of-the-art digital screens have been installed. The cinema sits at the heart of the Walthamstow Cultural Quarter, which also includes the nearby Soho Theatre Walthamstow and Vestry House Museum (currently undergoing improvements). 

Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of the Council, said: 

I’m delighted that we have our cinema back – given Waltham Forest’s links with the legendary Alfred Hitchcock, it’s only right that local people can enjoy films on the big screen right here on their doorsteps.

It’s such a good new story that we can work with an independent family-run business like PDJ Cinemas and at the same time create new employment opportunities for residents.

There are some amazing things happening all across Waltham Forest, the first-ever London Borough of Culture, and it makes me really proud to be leader of this fantastic council as we deliver them for residents.

I hope you all take the chance to support your local picture house and visit Forest Cinemas very soon.

The majority of the cinema staff live in Waltham Forest and have been given help finding work by the council’s employment support team.  

PDJ Cinemas is a family-owned business, running several cinemas across the country. The independent chain specialises in world class films at local prices, offering value for money and exciting programming that mixes Hollywood hits with international and independent cinema. PDJ has an impressive record of being heavily involved in the communities in which it operates. Its Cinema for All initiative sees regular parent and baby and autism-friendly screenings. It works with local students and schools, supporting local film festivals, industry, and charities.