Tilda Swinton and Steven Spielberg are among the industry voices throwing their weight behind a campaign to prevent iconic London cinema Curzon Mayfair from changing hands.
It comes as UK exhibitor-distributor Curzon, owned by the US-based Cohen Media Group, has warned the building’s landlord it is ready to go to court to remain on the site for years to come.
The landlord is refusing to renew Curzon’s lease on the Grade II listed 37–38 Curzon Street building, which ends in 2024.
The landlord, 38 Curzon Lease, under CEO Dan Zaum, plans to keep operating the building as a cinema with a £15m investment.
Under government legislation, Curzon has a statutory right to renew its lease on similar terms at a market rent. Curzon has formally applied for a new lease. If the landlord refuses, the resulting legal process would give a court the power to grant a new tenancy for up to 15 years.
Curzon has laid out plans to “make a substantial investment” in upgrading and refurbishing the building, if a new lease is granted, “without compromising its historical features”. Benedetti Architects, which recently worked on the redesign of Bafta’s Piccadilly headquarters, has been appointed to make a proposal.
Curzon Mayfair was built in the 1960s, to replace a 1930s cinema. This is not the first time the building has faced threat. The cinema’s landlord previously sought to apply pressure in 2017 when the upper floors were converted to residential use. The landlord also demanded costly noise mitigation works be undertaken. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan intervened to protect long established cultural venues from new neighbours complaining about long-existing noise.
Philip Knatchbull, Curzon CEO, said: “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 arthouse cinemas. 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.”
Starry petition
Alongside Swinton and Speilberg, Toby Jones, Emily Mortimer, Imogen Poots and Rebecca Hall have all lent their support to the cinema. Filmmakers Paweł Pawlikowski, Joanna Hogg, Charlotte Wells and Peter Strickland are among the 19,000-plus people who signed an online petition, started by councillor Patrick Lilley.
Swinton said: “There are many ways in which a cinema can be less magical than the Curzon Mayfair: less cosily tucked into its neighbourhood, less enticing with its wide and tempting foyer, less reliably home to a curation of world cinema that has, for decades, been inspirational for generations of passionate cinema lovers for whom it is a treasured lighthouse. Having nourished, encouraged and enlightened us for nearly a century, it deserves our gratitude, respect and protection.
“The Curzon Mayfair is not just an important and beautiful building – it is a cultural generator without which the social health of central London would be significantly compromised. We urge its landlord to appreciate its unique value to the lives of countless people and to join with us in seeking to safeguard its future for all cinema makers and supporters as yet far down the road. Curzon’s diligent stewardship of this rare and beloved venue should be cherished and sustained.”
Spielberg commented: “I was privileged to be there only a few months ago for the UK premiere of my new film, The Fabelmans, and it would be a travesty if Curzon was no longer there to host such special events.”
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