Can cinephiles not have a moment of peace? Barely eighteen months after London’s beloved Prince Charles Cinema was forced to launch its Save the PCC campaign to extend their lease against a landlord with other ideas, yet another independent cinema is under threat. The Ultimate Picture Palace, a single-screen cinema in East Oxford, an iconic art-deco building and a stalwart of the local community, is itself at risk. On 13 March 2026, cinema patrons launched the ‘Save the UPP’ campaign, hoping to persuade their landlord, the University of Oxford’s Oriel College, to extend their lease and secure their future.
The UPP’s tenancy of their iconic spot in Jeune Street only expires in 2037, but the lack of a longer-term contract prevents them from pursuing energy efficiency and accessibility measures the venue urgently needs. “We have the [renovation] plan, a wonderful architect, and funders who are keen to support,” Micaela Tuckwell, the UPP’s Executive Director, explains. “The only thing missing is a long enough lease.” Oriel College told student newspaper Cherwell that it has “No plans to extend the lease at this early stage.” Per a petition distributed by the UPP campaign team, the land the UPP currently occupies is part of Oriel’s ‘5th quad’ development plan, which would see the construction of graduate accommodation at the site.
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The outpouring of love for the UPP since the start of the campaign has been nothing short of effusive. Head of Programming Tom Jowett noted that, “We have people that remember coming to the UPP in the ’70s… people sharing stories [about] the friendships they have made and the relationships that have been formed there.” At the time of writing, there are already over 15,000 signatories on a Change.org petition addressed to Oriel’s fellows, and their launch event saw around 180 people cramming into frame to recreate a historic photo of the cinema. Pippa Harris, producer of 2025’s Award Season darling Hamnet, attended a packed special screening of the film in January to bring attention to the importance of the UPP to the East Oxford community.
And this support is not just reserved for moments of crisis. In a time when both streamers and developers question the relevance of the theatrical experience and parrot a narrative of declining attendance, stories like the UPP’s shows the continuing support for local cinemas on the ground. Much like the PCC, the UPP’s ticket sales have only increased since the end of the pandemic – a testament to the power of strong programming and community cultivation.
Though the future remains unclear, the UPP’s custodians remain committed to keeping all this vibrant history alive. We’ve been told to keep eyes peeled for special ‘Save the UPP’ events and partnerships with big names, and Tuckwell and Jowett will continue to focus on fostering a love of film in East Oxford. Tuckwell sees potential for a partnership with Oriel College, hoping to make the UPP a space where Oriel students can connect with film and the local community. “There is real hope,” they say, “especially if we manage to share how much this cinema is loved.”
To sign the UPP petition and help to save this historic venue, head here.
