The survival of one of the UK’s oldest independent cinemas, the Ultimate Picture Palace (UPP) in east Oxford, is under threat as its landlord, Oriel College of the University of Oxford, refuses 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 Efforts and Financial Struggles
After decades of instability, the UPP became a community-owned business when 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 UPP’s executive director, described the situation as “a really big emergency,” noting that operating costs have increased by 25% over the last four years and the cinema remains on a financial knife-edge. Grants are available for renovations, but they cannot be accessed without a longer lease.
Oriel College’s Position
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 continues to dialogue with the managers to ensure the cinema remains open to the public. Oriel already owns several properties in east Oxford and is reportedly looking to expand, a trend of “studentification” opposed by many locals. The pending demolition of a popular local cafe by the university has further fueled concerns.
Community and Political Support
A campaign and petition to save the UPP have gathered 22,000 signatures. Anneliese Dodds, the MP for Oxford East, raised the cinema’s future in parliament and has discussed the matter with Oriel’s provost, Neil Mendoza, who also chairs Historic England. Dodds expressed hope for a resolution. In March, Mendoza and Oxford University’s vice-chancellor attended a special “Save the UPP” screening of Hamnet hosted by Oscar-nominated producer Dame Pippa Harris.
Cultural Significance
The UPP is known for its alternative and artistic programming, with foreign language films accounting for over a fifth of ticket sales and a similar proportion for classic or repertory features. Despite a post-pandemic decline in national audiences, the UPP’s ticket sales have risen by 20%, with a quarter of sales to under-25s. The cinema also combats social isolation, with a two-year waiting list to volunteer and collaborations with local charities like Asylum Welcome. Lead projectionist Kit Finnie emphasized the cinema’s role as a safe, affordable space for community interaction.
Local Voices
Local resident Imo noted the scarring effect of the university’s encroachment, saying, “If this trend continues, there will be no space for locals to do things on their own terms.” Malcolm Atkins, a 69-year-old artist and regular since the 1970s, recalled the cinematic wonder of films like A Touch of Zen and Celine and Julie Go Boating, lamenting that he hasn’t experienced comparable wonder since.
