Q&A: After Sunrise Mall theater closure, what comes next?

Updated 9:28 a.m., July 6th–
By Mike Hazlip— Recent news that the Sunrise Mall’s discount movie theater will not be re-opening has left some wondering what’s next for the location.

From last month: Sunrise Mall theater now listed as permanently closed

An inquiry to the city’s communications director on Tuesday was referred to a mall spokesperson. In a statement emailed to The Sentinel Thursday, a representative for the mall’s majority owner, Namdar Realty Group, said the group is looking for a new tenant.

“We can confirm that the Regal UA Sunrise Theater has permanently closed. Our team is actively looking to fill the space and will update the community once we have news to share,” the statement said.

Plans for at least one new theater on the mall site are included in the city’s Specific Plan to guide redevelopment at Sunrise Mall, but city staff have estimated it could take 20 years for the plan to be fully implemented. Plans are also contingent on private developer(s) being willing to fund the project.

Development of the city’s Specific Plan for the mall is still in the works, but a final plan is expected to reach the City Council for approval sometime this year. The city’s ambitious “Sunrise Tomorrow” plan includes a vision to completely re-make the aging 100-acre Sunrise Mall property into a modern main street, featuring nightlife, a large event venue, apartments, hotels, brew pubs and more.

City Spokeswoman Nichole Baxter said she expects to have an update next week regarding the city’s plan for mall redevelopment. As of Wednesday, she said the Planning Division was still finalizing documents and dates related to the Specific Plan.

Related: City unveils in-depth look at plan to transform Sunrise Mall