MP calls for long-term lease for 'landmark' cinema

An MP has urged the landlord of a "landmark" independent cinema to grant it a long-term lease to secure its future.

Speaking during an Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons, Labour MP for Oxford East Dame Anneliese Dodds, said the Ultimate Picture Palace (UPP) in Oxford needed improvements such as investment in better access.

She added that although the venue had planning permission and investors keen to support the changes, its landlord, Oriel College, "will not commit to such a long-term lease".

The college said it had "no plans to extend the lease at this early stage in the tenancy".

UPP was founded in 1911 and has been screening a mix of independent, international and classic films in its single-screen auditorium.

It reopened in 1997 after a brief closure in 1994 and has operated as one of the UK's oldest purpose-built cinemas.

It became community-owned in 2022 when 1,200 residents took a stake in it and raised £366,585.

Dame Anneliese described it as "a vibrant place, defying national trends in ticket sales".

She added that the "special cinema" had planning permission for the renovations it needed and "funders who are keen to support them if their requirements for a long-term lease are met".

But added Oriel College "will not commit to such a long-term lease".

"That is because, it appears, the building is in the footprint of its plans for a 'fifth quad' to accommodate graduate students".

Oriel College, which bought the cinema building in 2021, said the tenants of UPP "have a long-term term commercial lease until 2037".

"This lease was agreed recently in 2022 with a new registered society. We have no plans to extend the lease at this early stage in the tenancy," the statement added.

"We are very proud of our heritage cinema and are in dialogue with the new managers about how to ensure it remains open to the wider public."

Dame Anneliese said a petition calling for lease had gained nearly 20,000 signatures "in a matter of weeks".

"There are some brilliant examples of higher education institutions working with arts organisations in the UK, and such co-operation could make the UPP an even more special place," she said.

"So far, Oriel College appears not to have recognised the potential benefits of engaging with the Ultimate Picture Palace in this way. I urge it to reconsider."

UPP chief executive Micaela Tuckwell said she "firmly believe" that a potential alliance "would provide a multitude of benefits for the East Oxford community and wider city for decades to come".

Adding that "it would allow our cinema to continue to provide community access to high-quality, affordable cultural experiences so that everyone can be uplifted by the joy of cinema".