Prince Charles Cinema secures 25-year lease after landlord battle

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 13:58 · Archive

The Prince Charles Cinema has secured its future with a new 25-year lease containing no break clause.

The Prince Charles Cinema has announced it has secured a new 25-year lease, ending a protracted dispute with its landlord Criterion Capital over the building's future. The independent picture house, situated off Leicester Square in London's West End, had accused the landlord of attempting to force it out of the building it has occupied for decades.

The row centred on a proposed break clause that would have required the cinema to vacate within six months if the site received planning permission for redevelopment. Cinema management also claimed the landlord was demanding rent at unreasonably high levels. The dispute began publicly at the start of 2025 and escalated into a costly legal battle.

In a statement on Thursday, the cinema announced it had signed a new lease with no break clause, saying 'after 21 months of uncertainty, we're delighted to have secured the future of the cinema'. Management credited its supporters, noting that over 168,000 people had signed a petition backing the venue. The cinema attracts approximately 250,000 visitors annually and has been backed by notable filmmakers including Quentin Tarantino and John Waters.

How it is being reported

• London’s Prince Charles Cinema wins battle to stay open in SohoPrince Charles Cinema was on the brink of closure, but has now signed a new lease to keep projectors rolling (Picture: Getty Images) The iconic Prince Charles Cinema has been saved from risk of closure after almost two years of uncertainty. Film fans and supporters rallied around the cinema in…Metro · 15 Oct, 13:36
• Prince Charles Cinema saved! Much-loved venue says long-term future after landlord legal battleThe independent picture house said it had signed a 25-year lease that would allow ‘our projectors will keep rolling for years to come’Evening Standard · 15 Oct, 11:22

In this story: Prince Charles Cinema · Criterion Capital · Leicester Square · Westminster Council · Quentin Tarantino

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