London’s Prince Charles Cinema Faces Uncertain Future Amid Rent Dispute
London’s much-loved Prince Charles Cinema (PCC) is at risk of closure as a dispute with its landlords threatens its future. The independent two-screen venue, tucked just off Leicester Square, has been a cultural haven for film enthusiasts, cult classics, and repertory screenings for decades. Now, its existence hangs in the balance as a potential redevelopment plan looms, with landlords demanding a rent increase far above market rate.
The PCC has revealed that Zedwell LSQ Ltd and parent company Criterion Capital are seeking not just a significant rent hike but also a break clause that could force the cinema out with just six months’ notice if planning permission for redevelopment is granted.
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In a public statement, the cinema expressed its frustration:
“We are disappointed that our landlords have included a break clause that would require us to vacate the premises at six months’ notice, should they receive planning permission to redevelop the building. We interpret this as a clear intention to do so.”
While Criterion Capital insists the clause is simply “standard commercial practice”, the Prince Charles Cinema sees it as a direct threat to its future.
A London Institution Under Threat
Despite the difficult times faced by cinemas nationwide, the Prince Charles Cinema continues to thrive. Hosting over 850 screenings and events a year, it welcomes around 250,000 visitors annually—all without public funding. It has long been a West End landmark, first opening in the 1960s as the Prince Charles Theatre before transforming into London’s go-to venue for cult films, arthouse classics, and midnight screenings.
Film lovers have flocked to the cinema for singalong screenings, marathon showings of Lord of the Rings, and special appearances by directors like Quentin Tarantino, Edgar Wright, and Paul Thomas Anderson—all of whom have publicly praised the venue.
The Landlord’s Response
Criterion Capital has rejected claims of unfair treatment, arguing that a break clause is standard practice and that rental increases are based on market rates. The company released a statement saying:
“Our rental expectations are based on a fair market assessment, and we remain open to constructive dialogue within legal frameworks to resolve disagreements.”
However, the Prince Charles Cinema has vowed to fight back and is pursuing legal proceedings to secure a fair lease renewal and protection from redevelopment. Independent cinemas across the UK face similar challenges, with organisations like the Independent Cinema Office working to support venues at risk of closure.
For many Londoners, losing the Prince Charles Cinema would be a devastating blow to the city’s independent cinema scene. With the threat of redevelopment hanging over its future, film fans are rallying in support, urging people to use the hashtag #LongLivePCC across social media platforms.
Do you think the Prince Charles Cinema should be saved? Have your say in the comments below!
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