The venue was previously operated by the Really Local Group but struggled to stay afloat amid financial difficulties before its abrupt closure on October 29, 2024.
The liquidation comes after the site and assets were formally wound up at 2pm today, leaving a significant gap in Catford’s cultural landscape.
Since its opening in 2019, Catford Mews established itself as a vital part of the local community, offering an independent cinema, live entertainment and a gathering space for a variety of local initiatives including comedy and poetry nights, a boxing club and a local choir’s practice space.
The venue sold nearly 300,000 cinema tickets and incubated more than ten local food traders, providing a unique social and cultural offering in the area.
It was a former Poundland store that was transformed into Catford Mews after an investment of over £1.2 million from its private investors.
Over the years, it provided employment for more than 80 staff members.
According to Really Local Group, Catford Mews faced mounting challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions to the film industry, Hollywood strikes and rising energy costs, which ultimately led to financial losses of approximately £930,000.
These losses were compounded by unpaid rent and service charges exceeding £650,000.
This financial strain led to the closure of the venue, with Lewisham Council confirming that the Really Local Group failed to meet its financial obligations.
Preston Benson, founder of Really Local Group, acknowledged the difficulties but expressed gratitude for community support.
He said: “On behalf of the entire Catford Mews team, I’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Catford and surrounding Lewisham communities for their unwavering support.
“While the closure hasn’t been easy, we ultimately respect the Council’s decisions around the Catford Centre.
“We still see a positive future, love our home in the borough of Lewisham, and hope to be back there again for years to come.”
However, Lewisham Council, which owns the Catford Centre through its regeneration company Catford Regeneration Partnership Ltd (CRPL), has stressed the need for financial stability in any future operator.
Councillor James-J Walsh, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration and Planning, previously said: “The previous operator closed after accruing unpaid rent and service charges exceeding £650,000, leaving our community without a much-loved community space.
“CRPL and the Council are now focused on attracting a financially stable operator that can also deliver meaningful community benefits for local residents.”
In the meantime a pop-up café, Gaff Café, has taken temporary residence at the site, offering affordable hot drinks and a place for locals to gather.
Councillor Walsh added: “We’re proud to have supported Gaff Café in launching their new community pop-up next door, providing a warm space for working and meet-ups where you can get bottomless tea for £2.50, a speciality coffee for under £3 and a hot nutritious lunch for less than a fiver.”
We have approached Lewisham Council for further information on the future of Catford Mews.
