'This is no flippant PR game, an iconic cinema is still at risk'

Writer Chris Blackhurst described this month how plans for the Curzon Mayfair from landlord 38 Curzon Lease Limited would revive the tired’ venue. Today Curzon’s chief executive responds

- Philip Knatchbull

THE Curzon Mayfair is not just an important and beautiful building - it is a cultural generator without which the social health of central London would be significantly compromised.

These are not my words but those of Oscar-winner Tilda Swinton, a patron of the cinema. She elegantly sums up what Curzon Mayfair means to so many people of all ages and backgrounds.

Yet, we face a fight to remain as operators of this iconic cinema because of the landlord's refusal to renew our lease. The "Save Curzon Mayfair" campaign has touched a nerve in the local community with 20,400 people signing a petition to ensure the cinema remains under Curzon's stewardship.

Curzon Mayfair has an illustrious history dating back to 1934. We have successfully evolved over the decades to ensure we are as relevant today as when we first opened our doors.

From showing Academy Award-nominated French film La Ronde in the early Fifties to more than half a million people, to the recent blockbuster Oppenheimer, which gave Curzon Mayfair its best ever weekend, we continue to offer something for everyone.