An independent cinema operator from Hackney is to take over the former Catford Mews site – 15 months after the previous operator was evicted over rent arrears.
Castle Cinema will take over the site at 32 Winslade Way in the Catford shopping centre, which will now be known as Castle Catford.
The site was previously run by Really Local Group, which opened Catford Mews in 2019 but was thrown out in October 2024. Its debt to Lewisham Council was later assessed as £387,000, while the building was occupied by squatters in April last year.
Castle, which began life in Hackney in 2015, will now operate the three screens and bar from this summer, as well as the food court at the front of the building.
Lewisham’s elected mayor, Brenda Dacres, said the deal with Castle was “brilliant news, not only for Catford but for the wider borough”.
“We shared the community’s view that keeping the cinema offer was incredibly important, and not only has this happened, but we’re going to see it completely transform into an even more vibrant community space,” she said.
“I want to thank the local community for their patience while we worked to ensure the best operator was selected, one that we know will contribute to the success of Catford town centre, and a place that welcomes everyone. I extend a very warm welcome to the Castle Cinema, we can’t wait to see them open their doors.”
Asher Charman, Castle’s co-founder, said: “We know how much this venue means to Catford, and we’re honoured to be part of its next chapter. Our goal is to bring The Castle’s independent heart to 32 Winslade Way, pairing a world-class film programme with a relaxed, welcoming bar and cafe.
“We’re building more than just a cinema, we’re creating a space for culture and connection, for everyone. From parent and baby screenings and LGBTQ+ events to curated strands celebrating black cinema and local heritage, we want our programme to reflect the true diversity and energy of Catford. We’re excited to build a vibrant social hub where the whole community feels at home.”
No opening date has been confirmed, but the cinema is asking people to sign up for updates at castlecatford.com.
Last year Castle took over another former Really Local Group venue, the Sidcup Storyteller, reopening it as Castle Sidcup. Last week it was announced that the Irish chain Arc would be opening the long-delayed cinema in the Lewisham Gateway development.
Really Local’s eviction from Catford prompted a public row with Lewisham Council, which owns the shopping centre, with the company accusing the council of “trying to destroy the reputation of our company”.
But Really Local Group eventually collapsed completely in November last year, with London Centric reporting that at its last remaining cinema, in Sutton, wages had been paid late and rubbish had been left building up because bin collectors were owed money.
Lewisham Council has long-term plans to redevelop the shopping centre, and recently announced that Goldsmith University would be taking up space in the nearby Old Town Hall. The old Catford Constitutional Club – once leased from the council by the Antic pub chain – reopened last year as The Catford House.
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