Curzon Mayfair
(Picture: Curzon Mayfair)A campaign has been launched to save one of London’s oldest cinemas from closure.
The Curzon cinema in Mayfair first opened in 1934 and has been described by Historic England as one of the “finest surviving cinema buildings of the post-war period”.
Now a historical landmark in central London and a venue which has hosted recent high-profile premieres such as the Glass Onion and Matilda The Musical, the cinema’s lease is up for renewal.
Although a Curzon cinema, the company does not own the freehold of the venue.
According to Westminster Councillor Patrick Lilley, who started the petition, Curzon now expect the landlord to either apply for a redevelopment of the property or to become an owner operator.
He told the Standard: “We succeeded in bringing landlord and cinema together before, we can do it again in 2023. Its simply crazy for them not to do a deal.
“Curzon Mayfair is such an important place for local residents and international film industry to lose it.”
Philip Knatchbull, Curzon CEO, added: “Curzon Mayfair is one of London’s most loved cinemas and has served the local community since it was first built in 1934.
“We are proud stewards of the venue and hope this campaign strengthens our ability to continue acting in the best interest of the venue and the local community.
“The next six months will be most significant in the long history of Curzon’s presence at Curzon Street, Mayfair."
The Curzon cinema was deemed an Asset of Community Value in August.
The property will now be considered as such until 2027 meaning that if the owner puts the listed asset up for sale, a memorandum of up to six months can be invoked by the local community.
The petition to save the cinema can be signed here: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-curzon-mayfair-1
