The Ultimate Picture Palace on Cowley Road is Oxford’s oldest and only truly independent cinema, treasured by locals for its unique charm and vintage character. Housed in a Grade II-listed building dating back to 1911, this single-screen cinema offers an intimate experience where cinema-goers can enjoy a diverse lineup of films, from the latest indie hits and classics to international and cult favourites.
Known for its red velvet seats, art deco aesthetics, and community feel, the UPP is a must-visit for film lovers looking to experience movies in a setting that feels both personal and historic. The UPP provides a carefully curated selection of films that visitors won’t find in mainstream theatres. And as a community-supported cinema, it frequently hosts special events, Q&As, and themed nights, enriching Oxford’s cultural scene.
© https://theoxfordmagazine.com/
March 2026 – Update
The future of Oxford’s much loved independent cinema, the Ultimate Picture Palace (UPP), is at great risk. Opened in 1911, it’s housed in an iconic Grade II listed building. It’s one of the oldest independent cinemas in England, and the only one which is community owned, with over 1,200 shareholders. It’s defying national trends in ticket sales and is a cultural hub for people across the city and beyond.
Add your name to the Petition to show Oriel College how much support there is for keeping the UPP in its historic home.
Then share the petition with friends, family and fellow film lovers.
The ‘Full Story’ about the UPP and why it needs to be saved can be found – Here
Also to read about some unhelpful, untrue rumours that are circulating – See Here, at the UPP Blog.
Even its greatest fans would say the cinema needs improvements. So that we can be fit for the future we have to invest in better access, better sightlines, better sound quality and more efficient use of energy. We have planning permission and funders keen to support us if we can meet their requirements for a long-term lease. But our landlord, Oriel College won’t commit because our building is in the footprint of their plans for a ‘Fifth Quad’ to accommodate graduate students.
As a treasured venue for the arts, the UPP has huge potential to enrich the college’s development while continuing to contribute to the city’s cultural life, to everyone’s benefit. There is a wonderful opportunity to co-produce the next scene of this remarkable little cinema’s story.
Help us persuade Oriel College to extend our lease so we can stay where we belong.
The responses to this petition will be sent to the Governing Body at Oriel College, including the Provost Lord Neil Mendoza (also Chair of Historic England). We are raising the issues and the growing support for the campaign with Lord William Hague (Chancellor of the University of Oxford), Professor Irene Tracey (Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford), Oxford MPs Annelise Dodds and Layla Moran, Councillor Susan Brown (Leader of Oxford City Council), the Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP (Sec of State for Culture, Media and Sport), and Baroness Twycross (Minister for Museums, Heritage and Gambling).
November 2025 – Update, the UPP has been officially listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) by Oxford City Council. In view of this the UPP is seeking additional support from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, having already progressed to the second round of the application process. One major obstacle remains: to be eligible for the grant, the cinema needs a lease of at least 20 years. The UPP Community Cinema Ltd’s lease currently runs for only 12 more years and so it has formally requested a lease extension from their landlord.
Unfortunately, last summer, the landlord, Oriel College, declined the request for a longer lease, leaving the UPP with a threat to the it’s long term viability. Negotiations are continuing.
Income has increased year to year and attendance has grown by 10%, especially with amongst the younger age group, which is always a good thing.
BUT, what can we do about it? Well continue our support by viewing the many and varied films that are being shown and tell your friends. You can view the cinema’s ‘What’s on’ pages – Here
And also become a member.
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