The future of one of the UK’s oldest independent cinemas, the Ultimate Picture Palace (UPP), hangs in the balance as Oriel College, its landlord, has declined to extend the lease necessary for crucial renovations. Opened in 1911 and situated in a Grade II-listed building, the cinema has long been a beloved fixture in east Oxford, attracting generations of film enthusiasts, including notable alumni like Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes.
A Community Treasure in Jeopardy
The UPP has recently transitioned to a community-owned model, thanks to the efforts of over 1,200 supporters who raised funds to secure its operation in a historic setting. However, plans to ensure its ongoing viability have been jeopardised by Oriel College’s refusal to negotiate an extension of the current lease, which is set to expire in 2037. Micaela Tuckwell, the cinema’s executive director, emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating that without the lease extension, vital improvements—including energy efficiency upgrades and enhanced accessibility—cannot proceed.
The cinema’s operating costs have surged by 25% over the past four years, placing it under considerable financial strain. Tuckwell described the current circumstances as a “really big emergency,” highlighting the pressing need for action to safeguard the cinema’s future.
Oriel College’s Position
A representative from Oriel College remarked that the lease was recently agreed upon in 2022 with a newly established registered society, implying that changes to the lease at this stage are not under consideration. The college expressed its commitment to ongoing discussions with the new management to explore ways of keeping the cinema accessible to the public.
The college’s involvement in property development in east Oxford is part of a broader trend of “studentification,” which has drawn criticism from local residents. Some, like Imo, a concerned local, voiced fears that the university’s expansion could leave little room for community spaces. “Every closure from the university’s encroachment has a scarring effect,” she noted, warning that continued development might eliminate places for locals to gather on their own terms.
Community Support and Cultural Significance
The campaign to save the UPP has garnered significant grassroots support, with a petition accumulating over 22,000 signatures. Local MP Anneliese Dodds has also highlighted the cinema’s plight in Parliament. Following a special “Save the UPP” screening in March, she conveyed her hope for collaboration between the cinema and Oriel College, having spoken with Neil Mendoza, Oriel’s provost, who also chairs Historic England.
The UPP is renowned for its alternative programming, with foreign language films making up over 20% of its ticket sales. Despite national trends showing a decline in cinema attendance post-pandemic, the UPP reported a 20% increase in ticket sales, with a notable 25% of sales attributed to patrons under the age of 25.
Local artist Malcolm Atkins, a regular since the 1970s, shared his nostalgia for the cinema, recalling the profound impact of films like *A Touch of Zen* and *Celine and Julie Go Boating*. “The cinema was so good for long, meditative films,” he said, lamenting that he has yet to experience comparable cinematic wonder elsewhere.
A Vital Community Hub
Kit Finnie, the UPP’s lead projectionist, highlighted the cinema’s role in combating social isolation, noting that there is a two-year waiting list for volunteers to get involved. Finnie described the UPP as a space where individuals can comfortably enjoy art, stating, “This is the only affordable way to have that interaction.”
Why it Matters
The potential closure of the Ultimate Picture Palace would not only signify the loss of a cherished cultural institution but also reflect the broader challenges faced by community spaces amid increasing pressures from commercial development. As local residents and supporters rally to protect the cinema, its fate underscores the importance of preserving venues that enrich community life and foster cultural engagement. The outcome of this dispute may set a precedent for how historic sites are managed and preserved in the face of modern economic challenges.
