The Ultimate Picture Palace's future could be secured by the same man who can also block it.
Lord Neil Mendoza is both the provost of Oriel College and the chairman of Historic England.
Historic England investigates, assesses and provides expert recommendations to local government regarding the status of historic buildings.
The Ultimate Picture Palace's building in Jeune Street was bought by Oriel College five years ago.
Save the UPP was launched as a campaign last year to persuade Oriel College to extend the lease for the community-owned cinema past its current expiration in 2037.
It was previously reported that Lord Mendoza worked to block the Ultimate Picture Palace being declared an Asset of Community Value (ACV), a status that grants protection from development.
However, the cinema’s status as an ACV was secured by Oxford City Council, adding to its designation as a Grade II listed asset, given 30 years ago.
The designation was secured despite formal objections from the building's freeholder, Oriel College.
At the time, people questioned why the head of Historic England would seek to block the protection of a heritage asset.
The college previously said: “Oriel College remains committed to upholding the terms of the 2022 lease renewal, which grants the Ultimate Picture Palace security of occupation at 53 Jeune Street until 2037.
“The 15-year lease also includes a tenant side break clause, incorporating UPP’s requested option to be able to break this lease at their convenience.”
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