The survival of one of Britain's oldest independent cinemas, the Ultimate Picture Palace (UPP) in Oxford, is under threat after its landlord, Oriel College, refused to extend its lease. The cinema, which opened in 1911 and is housed in a Grade II-listed building, requires urgent renovations to improve energy efficiency and accessibility, but these cannot proceed without a lease extension beyond 2037.
Community Ownership at Risk
The UPP, known for its alternative programming and foreign language films, recently became a community-owned business after over 1,200 supporters raised funds to keep it operating. However, plans to secure its long-term future have been dashed by Oriel College's reluctance to approve an extension. Micaela Tuckwell, the cinema's executive director, described the situation as "a really big emergency," noting that operating costs have risen by 25% over the past four years.
Oriel College's Stance
A spokesperson for Oriel College stated that the lease was agreed in 2022 with a new registered society and that there are no plans to amend it at this early stage. The college, which owns several properties in east Oxford, is reportedly looking to expand further, a move opposed by locals who fear "studentification." Local resident Imo commented, "Every closure from the university's encroachment has a scarring effect."
Campaign and Political Support
A campaign to save the UPP has gathered 22,000 signatures, and Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds raised the issue in parliament. Dodds said she discussed the matter with Oriel's provost, Neil Mendoza, who also chairs Historic England, and expressed hope for a resolution. Historic England emphasized the importance of cultural institutions like cinemas as community anchors.
The UPP continues to thrive culturally, with ticket sales up 20% post-pandemic and a quarter of sales to under-25s. Lead projectionist Kit Finnie highlighted the cinema's role in combating social isolation, noting a two-year waiting list to volunteer and collaborations with local charities such as Asylum Welcome.
