As Oxford’s oldest and only independent cinema, the UPP is a much loved landmark of our city. Now, more than ever, they need your help to keep the cinema open and keep it independent.
June 29th 2022 – Update, thanks to 1265 investors, the cinema raised over its target and hopefully its future has been secured. Everyone who’s had a part in securing the future for The Ultimate Picture Palace – including its new community owners – can celebrate the exciting news that their beloved cinema will now be community-owned cinema and are looking forward to an exciting new chapter in its 111-year history. Read more here.
The Ultimate Picture Palace, situated in Jeune Street, just of the Cowley Road in Oxford, is up for sale and are inviting you to purchase community shares and invest in their exciting plan to become a community-owned cinema.
On Friday 29th April, the cinema will launch an offer to raise £312,575 in Community Benefit Society shares and ensure that the UPP continues to be a thriving part of our vibrant and diverse community.
More details can be found here – https://uppcinema.com/owntheupp/ Including the Share Offer Document that tells you everything you need to know about investing and our plans, supported by a comprehensive Business Plan.
The share offer will raise money to:
- purchase the business for the community – ensuring that the cinema stays open, remains independent, and belongs to the community
- make improvements to the building and the way the business is run to ensure it is welcoming and accessible to everyone
- ensure the business has the money not only to survive but to thrive for many years to come
Here’s what the local paper, the Oxford Mail, reported.
You and your fellow film lovers have the opportunity to become a part-owner of this local independent cinema and share in the future of a business owned by the community and run for the community.
#OwnTheUPP
The Ultimate Picture Palace is Oxford’s oldest and only independent cinema. The cinema is run by a small team of film fanatics who pick the programme, screening only the best mainstream, indie, foreign-language, and documentary films, alongside a regular season of classics. They also have special events including director Q&As, expert talks, charity fundraisers, and live music (sometimes as an accompaniment to the film!).
The art deco one-screen auditorium has 108 seats and a small bar at the back serving drinks and snacks for customers to take to their seats before the start of the film. They don’t show adverts, just a couple of trailers for upcoming films and then straight into the main feature. The UPP are open every day of the week for two evening screenings, with afternoon matinees on Saturday, Sunday and Thursday. They also have Baby Club (for mothers and babies under 1) every other Thursday. © Independent Oxford