The CineStar cinema at Bonn’s historic Sternstraße will close following a decision by the operator, leaving the future of the building in the hands of its new owners, the Düsseldorf-based real estate group Centralis. While local staff have gathered over 6,000 signatures in a bid to preserve the cultural venue, developers intend to convert the site into a "Bob W." apartment hotel and an Augustiner Bräu restaurant.
Closure of the Stern-Kino
In February, the cinema chain CineStar announced it would cease operations at the Stern-Kino location. The company cited necessary building investments that were no longer economically viable as the primary driver for the exit. The cinema has since become the subject of a public preservation campaign led by employees including Evelin Schulz and Vincent Haag.
Development Plans for the Sternstraße Property
The building, now under the ownership of the Centralis Group, is slated for a commercial transition. According to planning graphics released by the developer, the historic facade will be rebranded for "Bob W.," a hospitality company specializing in apartment rooms with self-check-in features. The ground floor, which currently houses the cinema, is designated for an Augustiner Bräu restaurant.
Public Opposition and Political Response
Local residents and cinema staff have organized an online petition to protest the loss of the cultural space. Supporters argue that the city center is already saturated with gastronomy options and lacks sufficient cultural venues.
In a recent meeting, cinema representatives presented a folder containing more than 6,000 signatures to Bonn’s district mayor, Nicole Bonnie, who accepted the documents on behalf of Mayor Guido Déus. Despite the volume of public support, city officials have indicated that the developer’s plans are already in an advanced stage.
"Gastro instead of a cinema is not a solution for us," said Vincent Haag, a cinema employee and co-initiator of the petition. "We have gastronomy everywhere, but no culture left. It is worth fighting for."
Current Status of Negotiations
Proponents of the cinema have requested a roundtable discussion with the Centralis Group to explore whether space for a cinema could be incorporated into the new development. As of the latest reports, the real estate group has not responded to contact attempts regarding these requests. The site remains a focal point for local debates regarding the balance between urban commercial development and the preservation of historical cultural landmarks in Bonn.
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