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Movie theater at Circle Centre Mall closes ahead of redevelopment project

The theater's closure is the latest blow to a shopping center that has struggled to attract customers.

INDIANAPOLIS — It's the end of an era. After almost three decades, the Regal UA Circle Centre theatre is shutting down.

A sign taped in the box office window says the movie theater is “permanently closed.” It originally opened back in the 1990s and was one of the mall's main attractions on the fourth floor.

However, that has changed in recent years as more businesses have left the downtown shopping center.

"It's like a ghost town,” said Fred Correll, who lives in Indianapolis.

"I remember as a teenager, we used to come down to the mall. It was exciting and there were lots of things to do. Now, there is just not a lot there,” said Matt Stoops, who works downtown.

Credit: WTHR
Circle Centre Mall, and the businesses inside, have struggled to attract customers.

Regal Theatre served the latest blow last week by announcing its departure. The change comes as the mall’s future is in question.

Last year, Hendricks Commercial Properties announced a massive redevelopment project for Circle Centre Mall. The company officially acquired the property back in April

They plan to invest $600 million into redeveloping the mall with outdoor walkways, plazas and a bridge over Maryland Street to connect the two sides. 

The open-air mall will reportedly put a focus on pedestrians and include retail, office space and residential development.

"We really want to make sure that this is something that not only we are proud of but everyone in Indianapolis and Indiana are proud of,” said Hendricks CEO Rob Gerbitz to 13News last December.

Credit: WTHR
This noticed announced the permanent closure of the Regal Cinema at Circle Centre Mall.

On Wednesday, 13News reached back out to the company to see where the project stands, but did not hear back.

Previously, the proposal included four phases of construction over the next decade.

As the Circle Centre Mall continues to lose business, customers are hopeful a second act is on its way.

"I wish they would turn it back into a good mall. Get more businesses in,” Correll said.

"I hope it comes back with a roar,” Stoops said.

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