The cinema and community space closed in October 2024 after its former operators – Really Local Group – incurred debts of more than £650,000 in unpaid rent and service charges.
Since its closure almost a year ago, Lewisham Council has been working alongside Catford Regeneration Partnership Ltd (CRPL) in a bid to secure a new operator for the venue.
The council also made steps to facilitate a local community space, with an interim pop-up café opening to provide affordable food and drinks for locals.
But efforts to secure a long-term future for the building were further complicated when squatters reportedly moved into the site in late March.
Notices were pinned to the doors by the occupiers asserting their legal right to remain, citing property law exemptions for non-residential buildings.
CRPL, supported by Lewisham Council, took legal steps to reclaim possession of the premises, with an eviction order served on March 31, with a possession hearing scheduled at Bromley County Court on April 3.
One local told the News Shopper that residents to Catford have become “fed up with the lack of action” to restore the community space.
In a statement Lewisham Council told the News Shopper that CRPL continues to work to secure the future of the venue and that it would share further information when available.
A spokesperson for Lewisham Council said: “CRPL, supported by the Council, want to bring the unit back to life as soon as possible, and are working to secure a new operator who will be able to bring an exciting new space to Catford.
“The Council will share the news of a new operator as soon as it is able to.”
