King Charles's Cinema Contemplates Additional London Location
The iconic Prince Charles Cinema (PCC) is set to make a bold move, announcing plans to open a second venue in East London. The cinema has submitted a bid to take over and reopen the Stratford Picturehouse, a cinema that has been closed since 2020[1][2][3][4]. This expansion is part of a strategic growth strategy rather than a contingency against uncertainties at the original Leicester Square location[1][3][4].
A Strategic Expansion
The new site, located in the heart of Stratford, presents an attractive opportunity with the area's post-2012 Olympics redevelopment, growing student population, new housing, and proximity to major cultural hubs like Westfield shopping center and the Olympic Park[3]. Stratford is becoming a new cultural hub, with recent investments from institutions like the V&A, Sadler's Wells, BBC, and UCL, making it a strategically vibrant spot for an independent cinema[3].
Aspiring for More
The PCC's ambitions don't stop at this second venue. The cinema has expressed interest in potentially adding a third or fourth cinema location in the future[1][2][3]. Paul Vickery, the cinema's head of programming, confirmed that the expansion is not a shift in operations, but a search for a pre-existing venue that needs renovation[6].
The Leicester Square Legacy
Despite the expansion, the PCC remains committed to its flagship venue at Leicester Square, despite ongoing legal and lease challenges[1][2][4]. The original cinema is a famous cult cinema, noted for its independent films and beloved by notable filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino[1]. The cinema's owner, Ben Freedman of Robins Cinemas, has been operating the Prince Charles Cinema since 1990.
The Future of the Leicester Square Site
Negotiations are ongoing with Zedwell LSQ Ltd (owned by Criterion Capital) regarding the future of the original Leicester Square site[7]. The cinema was granted recognition as an Asset of Community Value (ACV), which provides some protection[1][4]. If a building is listed as an Asset of Community Value, its owner must notify the council if it is put up for sale, allowing a six-month moratorium for the local community to make a bid[8].
In summary, the Prince Charles Cinema is moving forward with confirmed plans to expand into East London at Stratford Picturehouse, aiming to strengthen its presence and eventually grow even further with additional venues. This move complements rather than replaces their iconic Leicester Square cinema.
[1] The Guardian [2] Cinema Today [3] Stratford Life [4] The Independent [5] Londonist [6] The Telegraph [7] Westminster Council [8] Gov.uk
