Castle Cinema, an independent crowd-funded cinema operator, is to take over the old Catford Mews site at Winslade Way in the Catford shopping centre.
The site, which was closed down 15 months ago because of rent arrears, is expected to reopen in the summer as the Castle Cinema Catford,
Castle, which was established in 2015, will operate three screens and the bar in Catford. It will also take on the running of the food court in the building.
The return of the cinema to Catford forms part of the Council’s long-term strategy to strengthen town centre footfall, support evening and weekend activity and provide accessible cultural opportunities for local residents.
Councillor James-J Walsh, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration and Planning, said the announcement “sits alongside the opening of The Catford House, the imminent arrival of Goldsmiths, University of London’s new Catford campus, and the delivery of Thomas’ Lane Yard, our 100 per cent affordable housing scheme.
“Catford’s renewal is not about quick fixes, it is about steady, responsible regeneration that’s shaped by and for the community.”
The Catford announcement comes just days after the council said an operator had finally been found for the Lewisham Gateway cinema.
It said the Irish cinema opertor Arc Cinemas would take on the nine screen site close to the shopping centre. The cinema is expected to opern next year.
The cinema will be a boost for the troubled Gateway development which has suffered delays and a major water leak forcing residients to move out just a few months after they first moved in.