When Tower Cinemas closed the curtains for a final time in 2018, it left a gaping hole in Newcastle's inner city landscape.

After six years of the site sitting empty, it's set to open again as a cinema, with Queensland-based Five Star Cinemas purchasing the iconic movie theatre.

Five Star Cinemas is a family picture theatre company, run by brothers Stephen and Peter Sourris. The brothers have refurbished derelict movie theatres in Brisbane and run six cinemas in the Sunshine State, so it's fair to say that Tower Cinemas is in safe hands.

We chatted to Adam Leacy from Commercial Collective, who negotiated the sale of this legendary Newcastle landmark. He confirmed that while the refurbishments required are substantial, the cinema will stay true to its original theme. We're talking red velvet drapes and retro carpet – essentially, it'll be Tower Cinemas as you remember it, but better.

The cinema opened its doors in April 1976, standing proud in the changing landscape of the city for over 40 years. It gave us film festivals from around the globe, foreign films, top Hollywood blockbusters, and all kinds of special events like concerts, ballets, and operas.

Novocastrians from far and wide hold special memories at Newcastle’s only city centre theatre. Whether it was a first date, a school movie day out, or a family evening eating your weight in popcorn, we've all got a memory, and when the doors closed, it was hard to say goodbye.

The new owners aim to have the cinema reopened by the end of 2024 – watch this space!