The Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley faces being taken over, with its board of trustees set to decide on an offer from Curzon Cinema by Friday.

The proposal outlined would see the Phoenix Cinema Trust retaining the building’s freehold.

Curzon say they do not intend to change the cinema’s programming, but they would renamed it to Curzon Phoenix East Finchley.

Curzon approached the Phoenix several months ago, with the trustees voting 7-3 last week to further pursue negotiations.

A decision on the takeover was expected on Thursday, but has been delayed to Friday due to concerns. Staff are meeting with the trustees on Friday to try and stop the move.

London’s oldest running independent cinema

Built in 1910, the Phoenix is London’s oldest running independent cinema and has been described as a “cornerstone” of the community by residents.

The Phoenix has lost over £60,000 so far this year, with several trustees telling a meeting on Sunday that their primary concern was the cinema’s survival.

Staff at the cinema are not happy with the move.

“The Phoenix is so important to the local community,” said Nathan Cable, assistant technical director. “We know most of our customers personally and we need stay together in these strange times.”

Numerous public figures have come out in support of the Phoenix, including Robert Plant, Ken Loach, Mike Leigh and Mark Kemode.

“It seems that this has been done secretly without people being allowed to contribute to the discussions or the decision,” Leigh said. “The more big operators run cinemas the less choice of programming there is.”

A crowdfunding campaign has been set up to stop the takeover. Nearly £5,000 has already been raised, with the target set at £20,000.

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