The Prince Charles Cinema, a beloved cult film venue in London, is facing closure due to a threatened lease alteration by its property developers.
The Prince Charles Cinema, a cherished institution in central London known for screening rare and hard-to-find films, is at risk of closure due to a dispute with its property developer landlords. The cinema, which has long been a cultural haven for film lovers, is facing a potential lease alteration that could end its existence, media reported.
The building’s current lease is set to expire in September, and the cinema’s management claims that its landlord, Zedwell LSQ Ltd (a company owned by developers Criterion Capital), is demanding a “break clause” in the new lease negotiations, the Guardian reported.
According to the Prince Charles Cinema, the break clause would leave them with only six months’ notice to vacate the building if the landlord decides to redevelop the site. The cinema has launched a petition on 38degrees.org.uk, calling on supporters to help prevent the closure of this iconic venue.
In a passionate statement, the cinema described the actions of the developers as an attempt to “bully us out of the building,” warning that this would mean the loss of an institution that has become famous for its diverse and unique film programming.
The cinema’s reputation is built on its eclectic mix of films spanning the history of cinema. It operates without public subsidy, relying on a loyal and growing audience. In its statement, the cinema stressed its role as a beacon of independent cinema at a time when many other cinemas are closing their doors around the world.
“Under our stewardship, the cinema has become known for its unique range of programming. At a time when cinemas continue to close throughout the world, we are happy to buck the trend with our thriving and fiercely independent offer,” the statement read.
The venue boasts a range of high-profile international fans, including renowned directors such as Paul Thomas Anderson, Quentin Tarantino, and John Waters, all of whom have expressed their admiration for the cinema.
Originally opened as a live theatre in 1962, the Prince Charles Cinema was converted to a cinema in 1969 and became part of the Star Cinema chain. Over the years, it evolved into a repertory cinema, offering affordable screenings to the public.
Phil Clapp, the Chief Executive of the UK Cinema Association, expressed his concern about the potential loss of the Prince Charles Cinema, stating that its closure would be deeply felt by both its dedicated audiences and the wider cinema community in London.
“The Prince Charles is unique in a lot of ways and it has a symbolism and a value that goes beyond even the fantastic service it provides to its audiences. It’s an institution, and I think its loss would be keenly felt not just by its audiences but by the broader London and national cinema ecology,” the Guardian quoted Clapp as saying in a statement.
Criterion Capital, led by billionaire Asif Aziz, is a significant landowner in London, with properties including the Trocadero in Piccadilly Circus and the Criterion Theatre. The company recently purchased the Central YMCA building in London, which is set to close in February 2024.
In a statement to The Guardian, Criterion Capital denied any attempts to intimidate the Prince Charles Cinema, insisting that it values the cinema and works closely with its tenants. The company also emphasized its commitment to balancing community benefit with commercial viability, adding that public campaigns against its position hinder resolution.
Despite the company’s statements, the Prince Charles Cinema remains firm in its stance, warning that the closure of this beloved venue would mark a significant cultural loss for London and the film community at large. The petition continues to gain traction, with supporters rallying to ensure the cinema’s survival and protect its status as a cultural treasure for film enthusiasts worldwide.
