Latest news with #LandlordandTenantAct1954
Metro
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
One of London's most iconic venues could be opening up another location
Amid an ongoing battle to save their historic cinema, talks of building a second location for the Prince Charles Cinema are reportedly underway. Earlier this year, it was revealed that the cinema, beloved by Hollywood directors, was being 'bullied into closure' over fears the billionaire landlord would redevelop the area. The Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square said they have been 'intimidated' by landlord Zedwell LSQ in a row over their lease renewal. But the cinema's head of programming, Paul Vickery, said the potential new locations aren't the cinema trying to 'shift operations' as they fight for their existence in Leicester Square. He explains: 'We were looking for a pre-existing venue that needed a bit of love, which we could turn into a new site. Ideally, we'd want to go on to add a third or fourth space.' A potential new location for the indie cinema could soon pop up in East London – Stratford has been brought up in discussions. 'There are plenty of students and loads of new-build properties that have sprung up recently. But it also feels like Stratford is still trying to find its feet and figure out what it is,' Vickery added. But the fight to save the original cinema, which opened in 1962 and began showing films at discount prices years later, is far from over. Vickery said: 'You feel the responsibility, but in the best possible way. You're not just some pokey cinema in central London, what we do means something to people.' A petition to save the cinema, fittingly called 'Save the PCC', has already garnered over 165,000 signatures. The current lease for the building is meant to expire in September, but campaigners say the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1954 means they are entitled to a new lease. But the threat of closure comes at a time when the cinema has seen record numbers, with tickets sold at an 'unprecedented level of capacity'. Film-makers have praised the venue, with Quentin Tarantino describing it as 'Mecca for lovers of quality films'. John Waters, who directed the 1980s hit Hairspray, called it 'the most depraved and beautiful movie theatre in London'. More Trending Zedwell, which is controlled by billionaire property developer Asif Aziz, has reportedly demanded a new break clause which would require the cinema to vacate with a six-month notice if planning permission for redevelopment. The cinema claims this reveals their 'clear intention' to repurpose the building. 'Losing The Prince Charles Cinema would mean losing not just an iconic cultural institution, but also an engine for the economy of the West End that brings people from all over London and the surrounding area to watch films, shop and eat and drink,' Save the PCC said. Criterion Capital previously said in a statement: 'Bubble Chamber Limited has initiated lease renewal proceedings on Prince Charles Cinema and the landlord has responded in accordance with the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Massive clean-up effort aims to pull 180 tons of wet wipes from River Thames MORE: LNER urges passengers 'do not travel' on East Coast rail line today MORE: Manhunt after woman repeatedly sexually assaulted on train in London
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cult London cinema threatened with closure amid battle with landlord
A cult London cinema has warned it is at risk of closure and faces the threat of redevelopment by its landlord. The independent Prince Charles Cinema off Leicester Square, which has been praised by the likes of filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, said it believes its landlords are using 'significant financial resources to intimidate us'. The cinema was founded in 1962 and attracts more than 250,000 customers a year. It said on Tuesday that efforts to renew its lease, which is due to expire in September 2025, at a market rate, have been challenged by its landlord, Zedwell LSQ Ltd, and its ultimate parent company, Criterion Capital. Criterion is owned by billionaire developer Asif Aziz and owns a number of hotels and other properties in the West End. The cinema said the landlord has also demanded a new clause which, if triggered, would leave the cinema homeless with just six months' notice. It added that Criterion has continually rejected requests for negotiation. In a petition signed by more than 18,000 shortly after it launched, it said it believes the landlord is seeking planning permission to redevelop the cinema site. A spokeswoman for the cinema said: 'We are one of the last remaining independent cinemas in central London, receiving no public funding and attracting over 250,000 customers a year at a time when the industry is struggling. 'We are disappointed that our landlords Zedwell LSQ Ltd and their parent company Criterion Capital have demanded the inclusion of a break clause that would require us to vacate the premises at six months notice, should they receive planning permission to redevelop the building, which we interpret as a clear intention to do so. '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 said it is currently pursuing legal proceedings to contest the landlord's valuation of the lease. A spokeswoman for Criterion said: 'We value Prince Charles Cinema 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. '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.'
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
London's Prince Charles Cinema ‘Under Serious Threat' of Closure, Launches Petition to Save Iconic Theater
London's Prince Charles Cinema said on Tuesday that it is 'under serious threat' of closing after a disagreement with its landlord over a new lease. The cinema posted a petition on its social media accounts calling for help saving the iconic theater, which has been praised by the likes of Quentin Tarantino and Paul Thomas Anderson. In the first hour, the petition already has over 10,000 signatures. 'We are beyond disappointed that our landlords Zedwell LSQ Ltd and their ultimate parent company Criterion Capital have demanded the inclusion of a break clause in our new lease,' the petition reads. 'This could leave us homeless with only 6 months' notice should they receive planning permission to redevelop the cinema.' They continued: 'Losing the Prince Charles Cinema would mean losing not just an iconic cultural institution, but also an engine for the economy of the West End that brings people from all over London and the surrounding area to watch films, shop and eat and drink. This would have repercussions way beyond the building itself.' According to the Telegraph, the Prince Charles is the last independent cinema operating in London's West End. It's known for its unique programming, including all-night movie marathons dedicated to specific directors and franchises and 70mm screenings of classic and foreign films. 'We feel that this demand amounts to a clear attempt by Zedwell LSQ Ltd and their ultimate parent company Criterion Capital, to use their significant financial resources to disregard our legal entitlement to a new lease and bully us out of the building once the existing one ends in Sept 2025,' the petition states. Criterion Capital did not immediately respond to Variety's request for comment, but a spokesperson told the Telegraph: 'Bubble Chamber Limited has initiated lease renewal proceedings on Prince Charles Cinema and the landlord has responded in accordance with Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.' Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in February 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in February 2025
The Independent
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Prince Charles Cinema under threat of closure following dispute with landlord
The Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square is under threat of closure following a dispute with its landlord. The establishment is a celebrated independent locale, running new releases alongside repertory screenings and rare prints of classic films. The Prince Charles Cinema, which opened its doors in 1962. is a beloved spot for filmmakers including Pulp Fiction director Quentin Tarantino and There Will Be Blood 's Paul Thomas Anderson. One of the last remaining independent cinemas in Central London, the landmark draws more than 250,000 customers every year, receiving no public funding for its annual programme of over 850 films and events. The Cinema says its landlord's 'refusal of a reasonable rent offer' and the 'intimidating inclusion' of a new break clause in its lease renewal, has left it 'facing a threat of potential redevelopment'. The break clause allows the landlord, Zedwell LSQ Ltd owned by Criterion Capital, to demand the Cinema vacate at six months notice should it find a suitable redevelopment opportunity. The Cinema has interpreted this as a clear intention to redevelop the building. 'The Prince Charles Cinema intends to tirelessly pursue legal proceedings to contest the landlord's valuation, in order to secure renewal at market rate and safety from any redevelopment projects,' read a statement released by the company on Tuesday (28 January). They allege that their invitations to negotiation have been refused by the landlords. 'We will be pursuing legal proceedings to contest their valuation of the lease,' the statement continues. 'We are confident that in doing so we will be allowed to renew at market rate, but we urge them to come to the table and settle on reasonable terms without the need for a protracted legal process.' Tarantino described the Cinema as a 'Mecca for lovers of quality films'. While Hairspray writer and director John Waters, called it 'the most depraved and beautiful movie theatre in London'. A spokesman for Criterion Capital told The Telegraph: 'Bubble Chamber Limited [who own the Cinema] has initiated lease renewal proceedings on Prince Charles Cinema and the landlord has responded in accordance with Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.' The company has previously drawn criticism for plans to build a mosque in the basement of the building. Earlier this year, the Cinema was praised for scrapping the screening of an AI-written film, The Last Screenwriter, after public backlash.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cult London cinema beloved by Tarantino threatened with closure
A cult London cinema beloved by Quentin Tarantino is at risk of closure amid fears its landlord is plotting a redevelopment of the site. The Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square has warned its future is under threat and accused the property's owner of 'intimidation' in a bitter row over the renewal of its lease. The cinema claims its landlord, which is ultimately controlled by Asif Aziz, a millionaire developer, is demanding a rent increase significantly above market rates and laying the groundwork to shut the business and redevelop the property. The row is likely to spark concern among film lovers, given the Prince Charles's status as one of the country's best-loved cinemas. The Prince Charles is the last independent cinema operating in London's West End. It hosts around 850 films and events each year, attracting more than 250,000 customers. The venue is known for its seasonal and off-beat programming, including all-nighters dedicated to the Jurassic Park series and Arnold Schwarzenegger films and festive sing-alongs to The Muppet Christmas Carol. It also shows 70mm pressings of classic films and rarely screened foreign language movies. The cinema has attracted praise from film makers including Paul Thomas Anderson and Quentin Tarantino, who described it as 'Mecca for lovers of quality films'. John Waters, the writer and director of the 1980s hit Hairspray, has called it 'the most depraved and beautiful movie theatre in London'. The Prince Charles said its landlord Zedwell LSQ, which is ultimately controlled by Mr Aziz, was demanding a rent increase significantly above market rates. It said Zedwell had also demanded the insertion of a break clause that would require the cinema to vacate the premises at six months' notice should the company receive planning permission to redevelop the site. The cinema said it viewed this as a 'clear intention' to repurpose the building. Zedwell is part of Mr Aziz's Criterion Capital, which owns prime property in London's Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. The Prince Charles said: '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, which is owned and operated by Bubble Chamber, plans to launch legal proceedings in an effort to secure a renewal at market rate and protection from any redevelopment projects. It is also asking customers and fans to sign a petition demanding the removal of the redevelopment clause. A spokesman for Criterion Capital said: 'Bubble Chamber Limited has initiated lease renewal proceedings on Prince Charles Cinema and the landlord has responded in accordance with Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.' Criterion's flagship project is the London Trocadero, which has been partly converted into the Zedwell, a hotel with more than 700 windowless rooms. The developer has previously attracted controversy after unveiling plans to convert part of the building's basement into a mosque. It is also under fire for its plans to close the world's first YMCA on Tottenham Court Road after buying the site last year. Phil Clapp, the chief executive of the UK Cinema Association, said: 'The Prince Charles is unique in a lot of ways and it has a symbolism and a value that goes beyond even the fantastic service it provides to its audiences. 'It's an institution and I think its loss would be keenly felt not just by its audiences but by the broader London and national cinema ecology.' The site first opened as a theatre in 1962 before gaining notoriety in the 1970s as a pornographic film house. During this time it claims to have hosted the UK's longest theatrical runs of erotic films Emmanuelle and Caligula. In 1991, the Prince Charles was taken over by Robins Cinemas and found its niche as a repertory cinema playing cult classics for £1 a ticket. The cinema generated headlines in 2023 when it announced it had no intention of changing its name ahead of the coronation of Charles III. Last year it was forced to cancel the world premiere of The Last Screenwriter, a film written entirely using artificial intelligence (AI), following a backlash from customers and across the industry. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
