Following this week’s article in The Times about our landlord’s objections to our Asset of Community Value application, we wanted to share an update directly. The statement below sets out the good news about the ACV designation and explains what it means for the future of the UPP, as well as where things stand in our ongoing discussions with the landlord.

UPP Secures Asset of Community Value Status: Excellent News for Oxford’s Cinema Lovers

The Ultimate Picture Palace (UPP), Oxford’s much-loved independent cinema, has been officially listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) by Oxford City Council. The designation recognises the vital social, cultural, and historical role the cinema plays in city life, and gives the community a new layer of protection as it seeks to secure the UPP’s long-term future.

Founded in 1911 and housed in a Grade II-listed building on Jeune Street off Cowley Road, the UPP is one of only seven listed pre-First World War cinemas in the country still operating as a cinema. Of those, only four are independently-run; and of those, only one – the UPP – is community owned by a charitable Community Benefit Society of over 1,200 local shareholders. This unique ownership model and the cinema’s strong community role were central to the council’s decision.

Oxford City Council stated in their report: “We accept the Ultimate Picture Palace as an Asset of Community Value because it serves as a vital cultural and social hub for the local community. As one of the last remaining independent cinemas in the area, it offers accessible, diverse, and enriching film experiences that foster community engagement and inclusion. The cinema’s historical significance, strong community support, and active role in promoting the arts make it an indispensable part of the local identity. Recognising it as an Asset of Community Value ensures that this institution is protected for current and future communities to enjoy.”

“This recognition is a huge win for Oxford’s cultural life and for the many thousands of people who have supported the UPP as a historic, inclusive, and vibrant community space,” said Professor Alastair Phillips, Chair of the UPP Community Cinema Ltd Management Committee. “The ACV status formally acknowledges what local people have long known: the UPP is a shining jewel in the rich cultural fabric of this city.”

Anneliese Dodds MP, who represents Oxford East warmly welcomed this decision: “The Ultimate Picture Palace is greatly valued as a community asset by the residents of East Oxford. This cinema, first in operation over 100 years ago, brings in a really diverse set of local people – from families with children who need quieter screenings, to East Oxford’s many vibrant communities with specially-themed film series and showings. The fact that the cinema is community-owned further underlines the need for it to receive protection as an asset of community value.”

The ACV designation was granted following a series of objections lodged by the cinema’s landlords. These were brought to light in an article by The Times newspaper this week.

A New Chapter for UPP: Preserving Oxford’s Cinematic Legacy

The Asset of Community Value designation comes at a critical time for the UPP cinema as it embarks on an ambitious strategy to better serve both the local community and film enthusiasts across the city, county, and beyond.

As part of this strategy, the cinema plans to invest in essential upgrades to its projection and sound systems, enhance seating, and meet key accessibility and sustainability goals.

To fund these upgrades, the UPP is seeking additional support from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, having already progressed to the second round of the application process. One major obstacle remains: to be eligible for the grant, the cinema needs a lease of at least 20 years. The UPP Community Cinema Ltd’s lease currently runs for only 12 more years and so it has formally requested a lease extension from their landlord.

Unfortunately, last summer, the landlord declined the request for a longer lease, leaving the UPP at a critical crossroads.

As Oxford has recently seen the closure of several cinemas, music venues, and leisure centres, the UPP has become an even more vital cultural and community asset. The UPP plays a pivotal role in both preserving the city’s screen and social heritage and enhancing social inclusion. The cinema serves as a crucial space for East Oxford’s population. Its programmes are designed to inspire and connect people from all walks of life, reduce barriers to access and foster a love of cinema. By prioritising affordability, including discounted and free screenings, as well as curating family-friendly programmes, the UPP Community Cinema Ltd is committed to ensuring that cinema remains an accessible and cherished experience for everyone.

Professor Alastair Phillips, Chair of the UPP Management Committee, says “The UPP is a treasured local cultural heritage asset loved by generations of Oxford’s filmgoers for its exceptional programming and unique historical presence in the heart of the East Oxford community.”

In light of the concerns raised by the landlord, Oriel College, over an extension of the current lease, the UPP remains committed to maintaining open and flexible negotiations with the college. With Oriel College shortly celebrating 700 years of its own contribution to Oxford (and the nation’s) culture and heritage, the UPP Community Cinema Ltd wishes to develop a shared vision for the UPP, Oriel College and the wider local community. We are pleased to report a number of positive meetings with the College and we look forward to continuing this conversation and securing a meaningful and fully funded future for the continuation of our business in the cinema building.

Micaela Tuckwell, Executive Director of the UPP, says “I firmly believe that an alliance between Oriel College and UPP would provide a multitude of benefits for the East Oxford community and wider city for decades to come. Not only would a partnership pave the way to raising future investment for a comprehensive renovation with upgraded accessibility and sustainability features, but it would allow our cinema to continue to provide community access to high-quality, affordable cultural experiences so that everyone can be uplifted by the joy of cinema.”