The beloved Prince Charles Cinema in London has been saved following a high-profile public campaign.
In early 2025, the Soho landmark launched a petition that stated it was under “serious threat” from closure. “We are beyond disappointed that our landlords and their ultimate parent company, Criterion Capital, have demanded the inclusion of a break clause in our new lease”. They went on to explain that a break clause could leave them “homeless with only six months’ notice should [anyone[ receive planning permission to redevelop the cinema”.
Industry figures including Paul Mescal and director Edgar Wright spoke out in support of the venue and the cinema was designated as an “Asset of Community Value” by its local council last May. Meanwhile a petition has been signed by more than 168,000 film lovers but in August, the Prince Charles Cinema confirmed it was still at risk of closure.
In an update shared today (Thursday October 15) though, the Prince Charles Cinema has announced that its future has been “secured” for the next 25 years after signing a new lease with no break clause.
“After 21 months of uncertainty, we’re delighted to have secured the future of the cinema, and we couldn’t have done it without the support, commitment and belief of many, many people.” They went on to thank everyone who signed the petition, the members of the media who “championed our cause in such a positive way” and “the global community of filmmakers, producers, actors, writers and everyone else in between.”
“And above all, [thanks] to our phenomenal staff who have kept things going without missing a beat, and the army of film-lovers who keep coming through our doors, proving that the magic of a cinema is truly the community that shares the movies it presents. We are so incredibly thankful to each and every one of you,” the statement continued.
“You have all placed your trust in us, and as we continue on for at least another 25 years, we promise to never forget that.”
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