Oscar winner Tilda Swinton is among a host of A-list stars to support the campaign to prevent the Curzon Mayfair from changing hands.
The industry backing comes as the operators of the renowned cinema have warned the building’s landlord that they are ready to go to court to remain on the site for decades to come.
The future of the Grade II listed Curzon cinema, a popular venue for red-carpet film premieres and featuring its own Royal boxes, remains uncertain with the landlord refusing to renew the Curzon’s lease, which ends in 2024.
Under Government legislation, Curzon has a statutory right to renew their lease on similar terms at a market rent. Curzon has now formally applied for a new lease and if the Landlord refuses, the resulting legal process would give a court the power to grant a new tenancy for up to 15 years.
Once a new lease is granted, Curzon is prepared to make a substantial investment by upgrading and refurbishing the iconic building, without compromising its historical features. Renowned Benedetti Architects, who recently worked on the redesign of the BAFTA headquarters, have been appointed to make a proposal for a sensitive but extensive refurbishment of the cinema.
More than 19,000 people have already signed a petition, and several stars of screen and stage have added their support to ensure the cinema remains under Curzon’s stewardship.
Oscar winner Tilda Swinton – also BAFTA nominated for her role in Curzon Film’s We Need to Talk About Kevin – 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.”
Curzon Mayfair has been an integral part of the local community since it opened its doors in 1934 and is regularly used for red-carpet events. With its Sixties Art Deco-inspired ceiling and listed wall reliefs by renowned sculptor William Mitchell, the cinema boasts some of the most iconic pieces of British cinema design.
The landlord will have to officially confirm their plans for the venue and under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, the cinema operators are entitled to apply to court to enforce their right to renew their lease. Such renewal can only be denied by the landlord in very limited circumstances, and Curzon hopes the landlord will come back to the negotiating table now that we have submitted an application for a new lease.
Hollywood A-lister Margot Robbie recently attended a Q&A for blockbuster Babylon at the Curzon, which was host to more than 20 film premieres last year. We also host high-profile events for paying customers including our own live series In Frame – a series of in-depth and intimate conversations with some of the world’s foremost filmmakers including Wim Wenders and Ruben Östlund.
Actor Toby Jones – who starred in Curzon Film release Berberian Sound Studio as well as high-profile roles in The Hunger Games franchise and Marvel movies – added:
“Please don’t touch the Curzon Mayfair! For those of us who have stumbled down those steps clutching the brass railing, then collapsing into the modest, cosy bar, glancing furtively at fellow viewers then smiling or wiping remaining tears from our eyes… the Curzon has been more than just another cinema. It’s been a kind of club to which anyone can belong.”
The Cinema’s landlord previously sought to apply pressure in 2017 when the upper floors were converted to residential use and the landlord demanded that costly noise mitigation works be undertaken.
At that time, a ‘Save the Curzon Cinema’ campaign quickly gained more than 27,000 signatures. The Mayor of London intervened to protect long-established cultural venues from ‘agent of change’ from new neighbours complaining about long-existing noise.
Philip Knatchbull, Curzon CEO, said: “We are a thriving business regularly hosting red-carpet premieres and only a few weeks ago we welcomed Steven Spielberg for the premiere of his film, The Fablemans.
“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 art-house cinemas.
“So, 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.”
Concerns for the future of the Curzon cinema have resulted in the venue being granted further protection by London’s Westminster City Council after it was designated an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
Councillor Patrick Lilley, who set up the petition, added: “Westminster Council has concluded it is an important community asset for the area and we must do everything in our power to secure the future of the Curzon cinema for decades to come.”
Renato Benedetti, director of Benedetti Architects, said:
“Our design will be sensitive to the historical features of this beautiful venue whilst taking an appropriately bold and innovative approach to improvements for the benefit of the public and the local community, as befitting a venue with Asset of Community Value (ACV) status.
The refurbishment will look at industry-leading solutions to acoustics, lighting, the food & beverage offer, venue adaptability and enhanced audience appeal, refreshing Curzon’s flagship cinema and creating a gold standard for film premieres in London.”
