WORK is still continuing to fit out a new Picturehouse cinema as part of Chester's Northgate Development, despite speculation over the future of its owners Cineworld.

The cinema chain made the shock announcement on Monday, following days of speculation, that it is considering filing for bankruptcy, as it struggles with $5billion of debt.

Cineworld employs more than 28,000 people globally and has about 100 cinemas in the UK, including one in Broughton.

But the film giant also runs Picturehouse, having done so since its takeover in 2016.

That has led some to speculate what will happen to the incoming Chester Picturehouse cinema, which is scheduled to open its doors as part of the long-awaited Northgate Development later this year.

Cheshire West and Chester Council, which has been spearheading the development, has today (Monday) confirmed it is "monitoring the situation at Cineworld".

In a statement, the local authority said: "Picturehouse have already begun the fit-out of their cinema at Chester Northgate, and their managing director and senior team recently visited Chester to see progress for themselves.

"The council entered into a legal agreement with Picturehouse in August 2016 for the delivery of a new six-screen cinema. During the time that the agreement has been in place, Picturehouse was acquired by the Cineworld group.

"The council notes recent speculation in the press regarding the Cineworld group which is headquartered in the USA, and are following the situation closely, whilst remaining in contact with Picturehouse in the UK.

"The cinema fit-out works are continuing on site."

Recently, plans at the Picturehouse were tweaked so an in-house cinema foyer would instead be an independent food and drink outlet.

In planning documents, the council explained that Picturehouse Cinema previously intended to operate their own coffee shop or food and drink outlet within that space, "but the global pandemic has resulted in them changing their business model and, consequently, this space has become surplus to their requirements."

The revised plans aim to separate the proposed independent food and drink space from the entrance to Picturehouse and operate the unit independently.