A historic West End cinema fears it may have to close because of a row over soundproofing for flats being built above.
Noise from films played at Curzon in Mayfair can be heard on the two floors above, according to the developers of the properties, which are likely to fetch more than £2 million each.
Developers 38 Curzon Ltd are converting office space into four flats above the cinema’s home since 1934 on Curzon Street, where star-studded film premieres are regularly held.
The owner of the building, Vevil International, says it is keen for the cinema to stay in its current location but that it must deal with concerns over noise under the terms of its lease. The Curzon says it cannot afford soundproofing, which it believes would cost £500,000, and would “never obtain approval for as the auditorium and surrounding walls are listed”, according to its director of cinema development Rob Kenny.
The deadlock has resulted in a legal “action for forfeiture”, meaning the cinema faces surrendering its lease and vacating the building.
CEO of Curzon World, Philip Knatchbull, said: “Were Curzon forced to leave it would not only hurt the independent film community but also deprive London of a cinema loved for its heritage and Grade II listed interiors.
“Curzon remains resolute to protect the cinema and has appointed lawyers to defend the landlord action. If the landlord wants to pick up the phone and try and find a sensible solution, then our door is always open.”
Vevil International and 38 Curzon Ltd maintain that attempts have been made to discuss the matter but to no avail, and that the cinema has failed to comply with the obligations of its lease.
Concerned residents have rallied around Curzon, sending letters to the London offices of 38 Curzon Ltd. Mayfair Residents Group chairman, Ron Whelan said: “Mayfair is inevitably under threat from various commercial pressures but this fight is one I believe the area cannot afford to lose.”
The building was built to house the cinema, with two floors above used as offices until the freehold was bought by Vevil International last August, and then leased long-term to 38 Curzon Ltd.
A 38 Curzon Ltd spokesman said: “Neither us nor neighbours in the building want to see the cinema close. We have complained to the landlord about noise and we understand the cinema has refused to improv matters and they are now in breach of their lease. We are keen to meet them to move this forward but they have not taken up our offer.
"Up until now the Curzon have simply refused to address the problems which are their responsibility. No changes to the fabric of the cinema have been suggested and no investment has been demanded. Indeed, we have no idea where the reported figure of £500,000 [for soundproofing] has come from.”
Historic England said: “The cinema is Grade II listed which means it’s a nationally important building. With a listed building, if the owner wanted to make changes they’d have to seek consent from the local council. We advise councils on how proposals would affect the historic significance of a listed building and the council then decides whether to grant consent for the work.”
* An earlier version of this article did not specify that the £500,000 cost of soundproofing work was an estimate supplied by the Curzon Cinema. Vevil International and 38 Curzon Ltd say they have not demanded any investment by the cinema. 11/10/16
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