Hastings Focal Point Cinema Closes, to Reopen as Cineverse with Young New Owner Next Month

After 13 years of serving the community, the Focal Point Cinema in Hastings has officially closed its doors. However, its legacy is set to continue under a new name: Cineverse Hastings. The new venture, led by local entrepreneur Prabhi Dugh, is set to open next month, bringing fresh energy and affordable options to moviegoers in the area.

The closure of the Hastings location marks the end of an era for the Focal Point Cinema, which has been a staple in the city center. However, the business will continue to operate from its Havelock North location, and all existing vouchers and gift cards will remain valid there.

Prabhi Dugh, the new owner, has been working closely with the previous owners, Matt and Julie Bell, to ensure a smooth transition. He has acquired the equipment from the Hastings site and is currently rebranding the space. Dugh explained that the new name, Cineverse, will be fully implemented in the coming weeks, with the old Focal Point signage being replaced soon.

Despite the rebrand, the interior of the cinema will remain largely unchanged. However, Dugh emphasized that ticket prices will be significantly lower. For the opening week, all tickets will be priced at $15, with special offers like cheap Tuesdays and a loyalty card program to follow.

“I believe if there’s fair prices, people would love to come back to the movies,” Dugh said. “It’s just they don’t have that chance at the moment, especially in this economy. But I’m here for bringing the community together.”

Compared to the current prices at Focal Point Cinema in Havelock North, where adult tickets are $20 after 5 pm, Dugh’s new venture aims to make cinema more accessible. He also expressed his vision of transforming the space into a community hub, hosting events for schools, clubs, and local organizations.

Dugh, a Hastings native, grew up watching movies at the Reading Cinema on Heretaunga St. He recalls it as a place where people from all over the district would gather to enjoy the latest blockbusters. “That’s my aim with this business, just to have it as a community hub and host special events for the community,” he said.

After attending Parkvale School, Hastings Intermediate, and Hastings Boys’ High School, Dugh earned the title of dux in 2017. He later pursued an engineering degree in Auckland before returning to Hawke’s Bay for a career in the region. Now, he is looking to bring the community together through the power of cinema.

Jack Riddell, the journalist who covered the story, has a background in radio and media across Auckland, London, Berlin, and Napier. His work continues to highlight the stories that matter to the people of Hawke’s Bay.