Update from Curzon Cinema…..

Curzon have today (12th March 2026) replied to Ripon BID with the following statement in response to our blog posts

Links to blogs: https://tinyurl.com/36s3ye2a and https://tinyurl.com/yc5c6mxs

” Dear Ripon BID members, 

We wanted to take a moment to respond to Tim Flanagan’s recent Rejoicing in Ripon blog post and explain Curzon’s position regarding the cinema on North Street. There appears to be a lack of clarity regarding Curzon’s exit from the venue, which is understandably causing frustration for local residents and delays in finding a solution.

Firstly, we take the issue seriously. We loved being part of the Ripon community, and it was with huge regret that we had to close for business in July 2023. We recognise that the site sitting empty is less than ideal for local residents and businesses.

The post-pandemic changes to cinema-going habits meant the venue was no longer profitable for Curzon, a problem exacerbated by several new purpose-built cinemas opening in the area, spreading audiences too thinly for Ripon to thrive.

We are aware that another operator is interested in taking over the site, which we welcome and support. However, the terms proposed by Sterne Properties Limited fail to accurately reflect the post-pandemic shift in the rental market. Curzon is being asked to absorb unfair costs under what we consider to be unreasonable terms to facilitate this new tenant. We ask Sterne Properties to come to a more equitable compromise and share the financial burden caused by a completely unexpected disruption to the cinema business. This is something we have been able to agree with landlords at our other venues.

Regards 

Curzon”

Ripon BID very much hopes that talks between the two parties can reach a compromise and the building’s future can be secured.

Curzon in 2022 prior to closure