Save Curzon Mayfair Cinema
The future of iconic Grade II listed Curzon Mayfair, our flagship cinema established in 1934, is in jeopardy. The lease will expire in March 2024, and whilst we are keen to sign on for a new lease, our landlord has made an alternative proposal for the site that threatens our residency. We remain fiercely committed to Curzon Mayfair. Over our many decades there we have delivered a peerless programme of film and events, alongside numerous star-studded premieres, and have loved sharing the best films and events with you all. We have long been keen to invest in refurbishment projects, but have been prevented from doing so without the security of a new lease.
Under Government legislation, Curzon has a statutory right to renew our lease on similar terms at a market rent. Curzon has now formally applied for a new lease and if the Landlord refuses, the resulting legal process would give a court the power to grant a new tenancy for up to 15 years. Once a new lease is granted, we are prepared to make a substantial investment by upgrading and refurbishing the iconic building, without compromising its historical features. We are thrilled to announce that renowned Benedetti Architects, who recently worked on the redesign of the BAFTA headquarters, have been appointed to make a proposal for a sensitive but extensive refurbishment of the cinema.
More than 19,000 people have already signed a petition, and several stars of screen and stage have added their support to ensure the cinema remains under Curzon’s stewardship.
The Cinema’s landlord previously sought to apply pressure in 2017 when the upper floors were converted to residential use and the landlord demanded that costly noise mitigation works be undertaken. At that time, a ‘Save the Curzon Cinema’ campaign quickly gained more than 27,000 signatures. The Mayor of London intervened to protect long established cultural venues from ‘agent of change'; from new neighbours complaining about long-existing noise.
Concerns for the future of the Curzon cinema have resulted in the venue being granted further protection by London’s Westminster City Council after it was designated an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
The Curzon Mayfair has been an integral part of the local community since it opened its doors in 1934 and is regularly used for red-carpet events. With its Sixties Art Deco-inspired ceiling and listed wall reliefs by renowned sculptor William Mitchell, the cinema boasts some of the most iconic pieces of British cinema design. The landlord will have to officially confirm their plans for the venue and under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, the cinema operators are entitled to apply to court to enforce their right to renew their lease. Such renewal can only be denied by the landlord in very limited circumstances, and we hope the landlord will come back to the negotiating table now that we have submitted an application for a new lease.
Philip Knatchbull, Curzon CEO
“We are a thriving business regularly hosting red-carpet premieres and only a few weeks ago we welcomed Steven Spielberg for the premiere of his film, ‘The Fablemans’.”
“The support we have received from the local community and prominent figures in the film industry is extremely heartening and testament to the affection for one of the UK’s most treasured art-house cinemas.”
“So, it’s disappointing that the landlord hasn’t yet chosen to renew our lease, but we are resolute. We are proud stewards of the Curzon Mayfair and have ambitious plans to refurbish the cinema to ensure the next generation of filmgoers can also enjoy the magic and excitement of watching the latest film in this unique venue.”
“We have a strong case for having our lease renewed and are prepared to go to court if necessary to enforce our rights as an existing long-term tenant.”
ARTICLES
Famous London cinema threatens to take legal action against landlord that wants to kick them out for £15m refurb
A chain running a famous London cinema is threatening to take its landlord to court if its lease isn’t renewed - and has already received the backing from A-list stars like Steven Spielberg and Tilda Swindon. Curzon Cinemas said they could bring a legal challenge as early as May, a spokesman for the company told MyLondon.
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Steven Spielberg is among a host of stars rallying to save a prominent London cinema from closure
Steven Spielberg rallies film stars including Toby Jones and Emily Mortimer to help save 89-year-old London cinema from closure
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This historic London cinema is under threat of closure.
The 80-year-old Curzon Mayfair is fighting for its future.
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Community boost for campaign to save iconic Mayfair cinema but threat of shutdown remains
The fight to keep the doors open of the historic Curzon Mayfair cinema has taken a big step forward after it was granted further protection by London’s Westminster City Council.
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Londoners fight to save iconic Curzon Mayfair cinema which has entertained locals for 88 years
Londoners are battling to save a famous Central London cinema from closing after 88 years of entertainment. Mayfair's Curzon cinema is expecting to be evicted from its home as a deal on a new lease has not been reached.
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Hollywood A-lister Margot Robbie recently attended a Q&A for blockbuster Babylon at the Curzon, which was host to more than 20 film premieres last year.
We also host high profile events for paying customers including our own live event strand In Frame - a series of in-depth and intimate conversations with some of the world's foremost filmmakers including Wim Wenders and Ruben Östlund.
We want nothing more than to keep showcasing the best films from 38 Curzon Street, where our brand was first founded, and serving the local community, and we need your help. As we work to gain permission to extend the lease of the cinema, please show your support by signing this petition, circulating it on social media and adding your voice to the chorus to save Curzon Mayfair.