Curzon has unveiled bold plans to refurbish its iconic Mayfair cinema, promising film fans a unique ‘gold standard’ experience.
They have appointed the architects behind the refurbishment of the multi award-winning BAFTA headquarters to draw up ambitious proposals to return the cinema to its ‘former glory’ – complete with the latest audiovisual ‘Hollywood’ screen technology.
Taking inspiration from their innovative restoration of BAFTA’s imposing Listed Victorian building at 195 Piccadilly, the plans from world-renowned Benedetti Architects promise to offer movie lovers a high quality experience ‘unrivalled’ across London.
The iconic Grade II listed cinema was specially designed by Curzon in 1966 incorporating top artists’ work, as a livelier and more bespoke replacement of their earlier 1934 cinema. The new proposals will protect and restore its historic features, while retaining the two screens and seating capacity of almost 400, meaning the cinema will continue to be open to the community with competitive ticket prices.
The future of the Grade II listed cinema, a popular venue for red-carpet film premieres, remains uncertain. The landlord is refusing to renew the lease and is taking legal action against Curzon to force them out of the building.
The landlord’s alternative redevelopment proposals would see the loss of the second screen and a reduction of almost 100 seats, significantly reducing the cinema’s income stream by halving the number of screenings from six to three a day. The loss of seats would also jeopardise the venue’s role as a favoured West End location for London film premieres.
Curzon is now defending the court action to safeguard their ambitious refurbishment plans which include the creation of a sensitively designed bar and kitchen area offering a more expanded food and drinks menu for cinema goers to enjoy before watching the latest blockbusters, independent and arthouse movies.
Film fans can also look forward to free Wi-Fi, step-free access, as well as improved acoustics and lighting inspired by ‘industry-leading’ solutions.
Philip Knatchbull, Curzon CEO, said:
“Our ambitious plans for Curzon Mayfair will enhance audience appeal and create a truly gold standard experience for film fans, reinforcing the cinema’s reputation as one of the main film premiere destinations in London.
“Our plans to retain the two screens and existing seating capacity are key to the Curzon Mayfair remaining financially viable for decades to come and ensuring the cinema retains its Listed Building status.
“This means we can offer competitive pricing to ensure the cinema continues to be open to the whole community, while looking forward to hosting more red-carpet events and welcoming high-profile names from the world of cinema like Steven Spielberg.
“A night out at the Curzon Mayfair has always been a memorable occasion in eye-catching surroundings to watch the best films from around the world, but this respectful refurbishment will also provide great food and drink and the latest state-of-the-art technology with affordable tickets, so not just the well off can attend.”
The listed wall reliefs by sculptor William Mitchell and the stunning Sixties Op Art inspired ceiling are widely regarded as iconic pieces of British cinema design. The cinema has been praised by Historic England as “the finest surviving cinema building of the post-war period [and] also the least altered”.
Concerns for the future of the building have resulted in the venue being granted further protection by London’s Westminster City Council after it was designated an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
