Help Us Shape the Next Chapter of the Phoenix
For more than a century, the Phoenix Cinema has been at the heart of East Finchley. Since opening in 1910, generations of film lovers have walked through our doors to laugh, cry, learn, dream and experience the magic of cinema together.
As one of the UK's oldest continuously operating cinemas, and one of London's last remaining independent cinemas, we are proud custodians of a remarkable piece of cultural heritage.
Recent years have seen us complete the beautiful refurbishment of our Art Deco auditorium, preserving the character and history that make the Phoenix so special. We know how much our audiences value this work, and we are incredibly proud of what has been achieved.
But there is more to do.
While our screen and auditorium now reflect the quality and heritage of the cinema, many of our public spaces no longer do. Our foyer and toilet facilities are in urgent need of refurbishment, and we believe they deserve the same care, attention and ambition that has transformed the auditorium.
A Community-Led Vision
To help imagine what the future could look like, we partnered with talented third-year and MA Architecture students from Middlesex University.
The students were challenged to rethink the Phoenix foyer and facilities, balancing heritage, accessibility, sustainability and the needs of a modern cinema audience.
The results were inspiring. You can view them by clicking on this link.
Four outstanding design proposals were presented, each offering a unique vision for the future of the Phoenix. These designs will soon be on display in the foyer, and we would love our community to come and see them.
Your feedback will help shape the next stage of the project as we select a winning concept and begin fundraising to bring it to life.
Our First Goal: £20,000
Today we are launching Phoenix Rising, a community fundraising campaign to help transform the public spaces of your cinema.
Our initial target is £20,000.
We know this will not fund every improvement we would like to make, but it is an important first step. Every pound raised will help us begin the journey towards a refreshed foyer and improved facilities that better reflect the quality, heritage and ambition of the Phoenix.
Once we reach our first target, we will continue fundraising to unlock further improvements and ensure the cinema remains a place our community can be proud of.
How You Can Help
Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference.
If you are a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid increases the value of your donation at no extra cost to you, making your support go even further.
You can support Phoenix Rising in two ways:
Make a One-Off Donation
A single donation of any amount will help us take the next step towards our goal. You can donate by clicking here.
Become a Friend of Phoenix Rising
Help secure the future of the Phoenix through regular giving:
Regular donations provide vital support and help us plan confidently for the future.
Keep the Magic Alive
The Phoenix has been part of the East Finchley community for more than 115 years. We want to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the unique experience of watching films in this remarkable building.
As a registered charity, we rely on the support of people who believe that independent cinemas matter.
If the Phoenix has ever inspired you, entertained you, introduced you to a new film, hosted a memorable evening, or simply been a place you love to visit, we invite you to become part of its future.
Together, we can help the Phoenix rise once again.
Donate Today and Help Shape the Next Chapter of the Phoenix Cinema.
