Deluxe Cinema Being Transformed Into 900-Seat Venue for CHOGM 2026 Opening

The former Deluxe Cinema is being transformed into a major event venue as Antigua and Barbuda accelerates preparations to host the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant outlined the upgrades Friday during the post-Cabinet media briefing.

Merchant said the conversion of the building — intended to become the Centre for Performing Arts — is advancing to ensure the facility can accommodate the opening ceremony for the high-level international gathering. The renovated space is expected to hold approximately 971 people once completed.

He added that the American University of Antigua (AUA) has also been identified as a potential hosting site for CHOGM-related events, as the government evaluates multiple venues to ensure readiness for sessions and large delegations.

According to the briefing, the venue preparations are part of the government’s broader effort to position Antigua and Barbuda as the “conference capital of the region,” a theme the Prime Minister highlighted during the budget presentation.

The CHOGM summit, scheduled for November 2026, will coincide with the country’s Independence period and is expected to be one of the largest international events ever hosted by Antigua and Barbuda.

Renovation of the Deluxe Cinema forms part of a wider CHOGM readiness agenda, which Cabinet has identified as a priority alongside ongoing upgrades in infrastructure, hospitality and national event management.

Further details on the country’s preparations are expected during the upcoming budget debate.

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