Historic Oxford cinema under threat as Oriel College refuses to extend lease
Summary
The Ultimate Picture Palace (UPP), one of the UK’s oldest independent cinemas in Oxford, faces closure because its landlord, Oxford University’s Oriel College, refuses to extend its lease. Without a lease extension, the cinema cannot make needed renovations or access grants to improve its facilities and energy efficiency.Key Facts
- The UPP opened in 1911 and has 106 seats, using traditional ticket sales and manual screen curtains.
- It recently became community-owned after over 1,200 supporters raised funds to keep it running.
- Oriel College owns the building and lease, and declined to extend the lease beyond 2037.
- The cinema’s costs have risen 25% in four years, putting it under financial pressure.
- Grants for energy and accessibility improvements are available but require a lease extension.
- Over 22,000 people signed a petition to save the cinema.
- Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds has raised the issue in parliament and is in discussions with Oriel College leadership.
- Oriel’s provost Neil Mendoza also chairs Historic England, which supports preserving historic buildings in use.
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