Building housing Prince Charles Cinema to be turned into capsule hostel amid campaign to save it

"Criterion Capital, which owns Charles House at 7 Leicester Place, home to the Prince Charles Cinema, promised to repurpose and revitalise the four floors above the theatre, an application before Westminster City Council shows. Architects Boyle & Summers said the proposed hostel will bring a significant boost to the local economy by bringing new visitors to the area and offers natural surveillance and an increased active frontage."

"They also said the proposed development would not be detrimental to the surrounding conservation area because there are no changes being proposed to the building's exterior. The Prince Charles Cinema, which is located at basement and ground level, will not be impacted by the proposal, the application shows. In February, the Princes Charles Cinema secured an agreement with its landlord after it was at risk of closure."

"In the petition, the cinema called on its landlord, Zedwell LSQ Ltd, and its parent company, Criterion Capital, to immediately withdraw the demand of a break clause in our new lease and to come to the table to negotiate on reasonable terms. The planned hostel could be made up of as many as 230 beds placed separated by individual privacy capsules which have been described as an indoor one-person tent."

Criterion Capital plans to convert the four upper floors of Charles House at 7 Leicester Place into a hostel of up to 230 beds while the Prince Charles Cinema in the basement and ground floor would remain. Architects Boyle & Summers say the hostel will boost the local economy by bringing new visitors, increase active frontage and provide natural surveillance, and will not alter the building exterior. The design proposes individual privacy capsules, unisex washing and toilet facilities, and no food or beverage sales. Criterion proposed linking the hostel to the nearby Victory House Hotel and would service it through the hotel's delivery hub. The Soho Society, the Prince Charles Cinema and members of the public opposed the plans, citing potential loss of office floorspace and concerns about access.

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