Mixed emotions perhaps for film lovers in central London as the two-screen Curzon Mayfair announces that is with close in 2024 when its lease expires to be replaced by a new, state-of-the-art single screen Mayfair Cinema. The landlords 38 Curzon Lease Ltd. say they are intent on “restoring its beautiful original features and giving it the very latest technology“.
“I see the Mayfair Cinema being reinstated to its former glory and reinventing the art of cinema-going. This iconic piece of architecture and integral part of London’s cinematic history is yearning for revival.’
Dan Zaum, MD, 38 Curzon Lease Ltd
The plans include a new bar and a dine-in restaurant so customers can consider building an entire evening around a visit instead of just “catching a film”. The current tenants are hoping they can remain involved after the site is revamped. A petition has attracted 10,000+ signatures.
We all have former cinemas in or near our neighbourhoods. In the UK at least, most are now bingo halls or pubs. Many are currently boarded up and falling into disrepair. How many of us would prefer to frequent the sort of establishment outlined above instead of, even as well as, our nearest generic multiplex? If anything good comes out of the Curzon’s closure maybe it will be that more like the Mayfair Cinema will emerge around the country. Hands up if you’d be a regular customer?
Source: Time Out