Prince Charles cinema in Leicester Square saved with 25-year lease

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 15:02 · Archive

The Prince Charles cinema in Leicester Square has secured a 25-year lease with no break clause, ending over two decades of uncertainty about its future. The venue faced potential closure at the start of 2025 owing to difficulties with its landlord, Zedwell LSQ Ltd, whose parent company is Criterion Capital, and the threat of a six-month break clause being added to its contract.

The campaign to save the cinema gained significant public support. More than 168,000 people signed a petition against the break clause. In May 2025, Westminster City Council designated the Prince Charles as an Asset of Community Value, granting it additional protections from redevelopment. Despite these efforts, the cinema's boss Ben Freedman said in August that no resolution had been reached.

Both parties have now reached an agreement, with the cinema announcing the signing of the new lease on its Instagram account. A spokesperson for the Prince Charles said the team was "thrilled" to have secured the future of the cinema and thanked the public for their support and commitment throughout the dispute.

How it is being reported

• Prince Charles cinema saved from potential closureThe cinema had faced an uncertain future, but has now signed a 25-year lease with its landlord.BBC London · 15 Oct, 14:26
• Leicester Square Prince Charles cinema 'saved' as deal signed to 'keep projectors rolling for years'The cinema in Central London has faced a lengthy period of uncertaintyMyLondon · 15 Oct, 11:33

In this story: Prince Charles Cinema · Leicester Square · Zedwell LSQ Ltd · Criterion Capital · Westminster City Council · Ben Freedman

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