Steven Spielberg and Tilda Swindon back Mayfair cinema’s plans to take landlord to court

By Adrian Zorzut, Local Democracy Reporter

A chain running a famous London cinema is threatening to take its landlord to court if its lease is not renewed – and has already received the backing from A-list stars like Steven Spielberg and Tilda Swindon.

Curzon Cinemas said they could bring a legal challenge as early as May, a spokesman for the company said.

They said: “The claim will be heard in the Central London County Court in the first instance and is likely to take at least 12 months.

“Curzon’s existing lease continues for as long as the claim is continuing.”

If successful, the chain will be able to run the historic Curzon Mayfair for another 15 years.

It comes as 38 Curzon Lease Ltd., which manages the property, unveiled plans for a £15million refurb – which includes taking over the venue and running it with one less screen.

The leaseholder also wants to install a new restaurant and bar as well as host opera nights, according to plans revealed by their architects Archer Humphryes Architects.

They also hope to restore much of the original architecture inside the cinemas themselves.

The cinema first opened in 1935 and it is described by Historic England as “the finest surviving cinema building of the post-war period”.

West End councillor Patrick Lilley said Curzon Cinemas would also submit its own plans.

He said: “I expect Curzon Mayfair will be unveiling their own plans for improving and tackling issues of sustainability.

“In particular, I would say it is hard to imagine the future of the cinema being able to offer a variety of programmes from Art House to Blockbusters without two screens.”

Curzon’s lease to run the Grade II listed cinema is up for renewal in 2024 and has already formally applied to renew it.

38 Curzon Lease Ltd. wants to end the lease and take over the venue – a move Cllr Lilley petitioned against.

His campaign has been signed by 19,300 people and backed by filmmakers and actors such as Steven Spielberg and Tilda Swinton.

Under government legislation, long-term tenants like Curzon Cinemas have a statutory right to renew their lease on similar terms at a market rent.

However, there are loopholes landlords can use to bypass this rule such as redeveloping or occupying the premises.

38 Curzon Lease Ltd chief executive Dan Zaum claimed his company’s plans would guarantee the cinema stayed open for years to come and would restore it to its original state.

Mr Zaum said: “As an independent operator, not bound by the corporate constraints of a cinema chain, our offering will be stimulating and captivating as a core venue and civic hub.

“A space not exclusively for cinephiles, yet a vibrant venue serving the wider community, creatively, socially, educationally and beyond.

“No tenant has an absolute entitlement to renew their lease. The law allows a landlord to decline to renew a lease where they intend to redevelop the premises or occupy it themselves.

“We are simply exercising our right to do that. If Curzon Cinema does not accept that, then our resolve will need to be tested by the court.”

Curzon Cinemas also plans to make a “substantial investment” in the building and hired Benedetti Architects to draw up a counter-proposal.

Curzon chief executive Philip Knatchbull 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 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.”

Pictured top: Curzon cinema face being kicked out of their Mayfair branch (Picture: Google Street View)