August 11th 2025.
The beloved Prince Charles Cinema, known for its discounted tickets and historic charm, is facing the threat of closure. Despite the ongoing battle to save it, talks have emerged about building a second location in order to preserve the cinema's legacy.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that the cinema, a favorite among Hollywood directors, was in danger of being forced to shut down due to plans for redevelopment by its billionaire landlord. The Prince Charles Cinema, located in the bustling hub of Leicester Square, has been locked in a dispute with its landlord, Zedwell LSQ, over the renewal of their lease. The cinema's head of programming, Paul Vickery, expressed their frustration, stating that they have been "intimidated" by their landlord, who is pressuring them to vacate the premises.
However, despite these challenges, the Prince Charles Cinema remains determined to stay in its current location. Vickery clarified that any potential new locations are not an attempt to "shift operations," but rather a way to expand and diversify their reach. "We were looking for a pre-existing venue that needed a bit of love, which we could turn into a new site," he explained. "Ideally, we'd want to go on to add a third or fourth space." In fact, discussions have already been held about a potential new location in East London, with Stratford being a strong contender due to its large student population and recent development projects.
But the heart of the Prince Charles Cinema will always be in central London. The original location, which opened in 1962 and started offering discounted tickets in later years, holds a special place in the hearts of many. Vickery acknowledges the responsibility that comes with preserving such a beloved institution, saying, "You're not just some pokey cinema in central London, what we do means something to people."
This sentiment is reflected in the overwhelming support the cinema has received in the form of a petition, aptly named "Save the PCC," which has gained over 165,000 signatures. The current lease for the building is set to expire in September, but campaigners believe that the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1954 entitles them to a new lease. Unfortunately, the threat of closure comes at a time when the cinema has been experiencing record numbers, with tickets selling at an "unprecedented level of capacity."
The cinema has also received praise from renowned film-makers, with Quentin Tarantino calling it a "Mecca for lovers of quality films" and John Waters, director of Hairspray, describing it as "the most depraved and beautiful movie theatre in London." However, despite its cultural significance and economic impact on the West End, the cinema's future remains uncertain. Its landlord, billionaire property developer Asif Aziz, has reportedly requested a new break clause in the lease, allowing them to ask the cinema to vacate with only six months' notice if plans for redevelopment are approved.
This has caused great concern among supporters of the cinema, with Save the PCC stating, "Losing The Prince Charles Cinema would mean losing not just an iconic cultural institution, but also an engine for the economy." Criterion Capital, the previous owner of the building, has responded to these concerns by stating that lease renewal proceedings have been initiated and they are following the guidelines set by the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1954.
In the midst of all this uncertainty, the Prince Charles Cinema continues to stand strong, held up by the unwavering support of its loyal patrons. As the battle to save this beloved cinema continues, film-lovers and supporters are urged to stay informed and show their support. After all, as the saying goes, the show must go on.
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