Iconic 60-year-old cinema loved by film buffs and praised by Quentin Tarantino threatened with closure
AN ICONIC 60-year-old cinema praised by Quentin Tarantino and adored by film buffs has been threatened with closure.
Located in the heart of London's West End, The Prince Charles Cinema has warned that it is at risk of closure and faces the threat of redevelopment by its landlord.
The independent cinema was founded in 1962 and attracts more than 250,000 filmgoers every year.
It believes its landlords are using "significant financial resources to intimidate" the cinema, which sees its lease expire in September 2025.
Efforts to try and renew this lease at a market rate have been challenged by landlord Zedwell LSQ Ltd and its ultimate parent company Criterion Capital.
Criterion, owned by billionaire developer Asif Aziz, owns a number of hotels and other properties in London's West End.
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The cinema said the landlord has also demanded a new clause which, if triggered, would leave the cinema homeless with just six months of notice.
It also claims that Criterion has continually rejected its requests for negotiation on the issue.
A , signed by more than 83,000 people, says the landlord is seeking planning permission in order to redevelop the cinema's site.
The Prince Charles Cinema's website has a section entitled that focuses on how the site is "one of the last remaining independent cinemas in central London."
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It also highlights how it receives "no public funding" and attracts over a quarter of a million customers a year "at a time when the industry is struggling."
The cinema added that it was "disappointed" both Zedwell LSQ Ltd and parent company Criterion Capital "demanded" the inclusion of a break clause.
This clause, it says, would require the cinema to vacate the premises at six months notice if planning permission to redevelop the building is approved - something the venue believes its landlords are "clearly intent" on doing.
The page continues: "Moreover, the landlord is also demanding a rent far above market rate and at a level which no cinema proprietor would consider reasonable, and is refusing to supply any information to back this up.
"We believe that these tactics amount to an attempt by the landlord and Criterion Capital to use their significant financial resources to intimidate us, regardless of our legal entitlement."
The cinema describes itself as the "UK's most famous cinema" and as having a "large, loyal community of fans".
Screening a range of classic films as well as cult, arthouse, and recent Hollywood releases, the venue is adored by cinema buffs.
Iconic director Quentin Tarantino once referred to the cinema as the "Mecca" of film theatres and describes it as the greatest place to watch movies in the UK.
'OPEN TO CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOG'
The cinema has said it is currently pursuing legal proceedings to contest the landlord's valuation of the lease.
A spokeswoman for Criterion said: "We value and we work closely with our tenants to help best utilise the properties within our portfolio.
"We operate within the provisions of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 and categorically deny any attempts to intimidate or disadvantage them.
"A break clause is standard commercial practice, reflecting long-term property planning, not unreasonable intent."
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They added: "Our rental expectations are based on a fair market assessment, and we remain open to constructive dialogue within legal frameworks to resolve disagreements.
"We are committed to curating a portfolio that balances community benefit with sustainable commercial arrangements, and mischaracterising our position through public campaigns hinders resolution."
