Oriel College's lease refusal threatens historic Oxford cinema

The Ultimate Picture Palace (UPP) in east Oxford, one of the UK's oldest independent cinemas opened in 1911, faces closure after landlord Oriel College refused to extend its lease beyond 2037. The Grade II-listed building requires renovations for energy efficiency and accessibility, but grants cannot be accessed without a longer lease. Executive director Micaela Tuckwell called the situation "a really big emergency." The cinema, which recently became community-owned after 1,200 supporters raised funds, has seen operating costs rise 25% in four years. A petition has gathered 22,000 signatures. Oriel College, which also owns surrounding properties, stated the lease was agreed in 2022 and has no plans to amend it. Oriel's provost Neil Mendoza also chairs Historic England. MP Anneliese Dodds raised the issue in parliament. The UPP is known for alternative programming, with foreign language films over a fifth of sales, and ticket sales up 20% post-pandemic.