Save Catford Mews

We regret to announce that Catford Mews has unexpectedly been served a closure notice by the council.

We are surprised and saddened by the statement from Lewisham Council today regarding this matter, having agreed with them a new 10 year operational deal, the terms of which were confirmed in May 2024. 

This deal included arrears incurred during covid and exacerbated by the post pandemic issues in the cinema industry which have seen only 1 month in the past 5 years approach pre-covid levels. 

Since then, the council has delayed completing this agreed deal by throwing increasingly impossible terms our way, concluding with a demand for an impossibly large upfront payment at the end of September. From this date onwards, no one from the council or the local government would respond to our calls/emails seeking a resolution. 

All across the country councils are working with their cinemas to ensure a bright future. It’s a great shame Lewisham council has decided to take this destructive path and force an integral community hub to close. 

Catford Mews has never just been a commercial venture. It was designed to be a place for local residents to make their own, whether that be to join a creative workshop, catch a film, watch comedy or simply hang out with friends. 

Please head to our social media on Instagram, Facebook and X/Twitter and let us know if you think the council are wrong and we should remain open. There is also an active petition to Save Catford Mews, available to sign here. 

Thank you! 

Catford Mews HQ x 

 

Also please email your thoughts to: 

Jennifer Daothong (CEO Lewisham) jennifer.daothong@lewisham.gov.uk 

James Walsh (Councillor): james-j.walsh@lewisham.gov.uk 

Nick Penny (CRPL Director): Nick.Penny@lewisham.gov.uk  

Melanie Dawson (CRPL director) Melanie.Dawson@lewisham.gov.uk