More questions than answers about Castle Cinema Catford
Lewisham council's surprising response to my freedom of information request suggests they were premature with their announcement about the "community-owned" cinema.
The lack of a cinema in Catford, and indeed across the whole borough of Lewisham, has a long history.
After the closure of the two-screen ABC cinema at 1 Bromley Road on 30 December 2001, Catford went almost 18 years without a cinema.
The opening of the three-screen Catford Mews cinema in 2019 was widely welcomed. The press release from Lewisham council declared that the new multi-screen and community space was the "cat’s whiskers".
But sadly, following a dispute over arrears and other issues, CRPL (the wholly owned subsidiary of the council that manages Catford Centre) made the decision to close Catford Mews in 2024.
And then on the 17 February 2026 Lewisham Council announced, “The Castle Cinema has been confirmed as the new operator for 32 Winslade Way, the former Catford Mews venue.”
This announcement was widely reported by the media and once again welcomed by many people. After 17 months of the Catford Mews being closed and 18 years of the 21st century with no cinema operating in Catford, this seemed like brilliant news.
However, is everything that was promised fully in place?
A freedom of information request about the lease arrangement that CRPL had entered into with Castle Cinema Ltd was answered by Lewisham council on the 16 March.
The reply refused to provide any details of the rent-free period that would be granted to the company, which would be taking over a premise that has been badly vandalised by squatters last Spring, during its period of closure. However, it did include this statement:
“The lease referred to, has not yet been entered into and remains subject to ongoing commercial negotiations.”
So, four weeks after the Mayor of Lewisham, members of her cabinet and Janet Daby MP took part in a photo opportunity with Castle Cinema it turns out that negotiations over the future lease with the cinema operator were still very much “ongoing”.
We went back to Lewisham Council this week, to ask for an update on the completion of the lease agreement.
They refused to provide a statement, merely stating: “We can’t comment on ongoing commercial negotiations between CRPL and Castle Cinema but will provide an update as soon as we can – this will be once we’re out of pre-election restrictions.”
While not providing a direct answer, the reference to ongoing commercial negotiations is a clear indicator that the lease arrangement has still not been settled.
The question arises – why did Lewisham Council publicise Castle Cinema as the “confirmed” new operator of the cinema in Catford, when the basic detail of the lease arrangement was far from settled and commercial negotiations were still being undertaken?
Was the announcement premature and perhaps driven by a desire to make a positive announcement in the run up to the local elections?
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A 'community-owned' operator?
In addition to the lease arrangements, there are further questions about the new operator, including why councillors refer to it as "community owned".
While it is true that the Hackney Castle cinema began with a crowd funding campaign a decade ago, the cinema operator has moved on.
It incorporated as private limited company in September 2025 and is solely owned by its two directors.
It has some admirable community goals, but that is somewhat different to an organisation being owned by the community.
Cinema tickets – Hackney or Bexley prices?
Catford and Lewisham residents hoping for cheap cinema tickets might be in for a bit of a surprise, if the new cinema operator's prices match what they charge at its Hackney cinema.
Cinema tickets at The Castle Hackney are priced at £11.95 for members and £14.50 for non-members from Tuesday to Thursday evenings and at weekend matinees.
Prices go up to £13.95 for members and £16.95 for non-members on Friday through to Sunday evenings.
The prices at Castle Sidcup are structured slightly differently, with many tickets at a lower price than in Hackney.
It offers cheap tickets throughout Mondays, with all adult tickets costing £6 for members and £7 for non-members. On Tuesday through to Friday before 5pm an adult ticket costs £6 for members and £9.95 for non-members.
For Friday evening and over the weekend, tickets cost £9.95 for members and £11.95 for non-members.
Back in 2019, before the opening of the Catford Mews, Lewisham council proudly declared:
“Affordability and inclusivity are the key principles of Catford Mews, with cinema tickets costing between £4.99 and £9.99 and memberships available for Catford locals.”
No similar statement was made by Lewisham Council when it announced Castle Cinema as the confirmed operator of the re-opened cinema.
It would be useful if Castle Cinema would clarify whether ticket prices in Catford will be more like the prices at Castle Cinema Sidcup or like those being charged at the Castle Cinema Hackney.
Meanwhile, we'll carry on waiting for Lewisham Council to agree the lease with Castle Cinema.
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