The Castle, an independent and crowdfunded business with branches in Hackney and Sidcup, has announced their third cinema is coming to Catford’s town centre, with a full opening later this year, writes Rich Brann…
The cinema, at 32 Winslade Way, is set to have three screens and will offer a wider variety of films and events than the larger chains, with LGBTQ+ events, foreign and independent films, and local heritage programmes.
Asher Charman, co-founder of The Castle Cinema, 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.”
Lewisham Council, who are overseeing the regeneration of Catford town centre, plan to build nearly 3000 homes in the area and redevelop Catford Shopping Centre as well as make the majority of the area car-free over the course of the next two decades.
The venue that the Castle will take over had formerly been Catford Mews, another independent cinema, which closed unexpectedly in 2024 just five years after opening.
Mayor of Lewisham, Brenda Dacres OBE, said: “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.”
“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…just around the corner from Catford Broadway, and part of the Council’s vision for Lewisham to become a cultural neighbourhood in the wider London landscape.”
The Castle is relatively new for a cinema chain, having entered business in 2015 with its first venue in Hackney.
Relatedarticles
The growing chain’s expansion into Lewisham comes at a time of continuing decline in viewership at cinemas, resulting in large chains like Cineworld going into administration in 2023 before a major restructuring, with Empire also going into administration that year.
One in ten cinemas may now face closure, according to new statistics, while revenues have declined significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Lewisham has now seen both the announcement of a new independent cinema in Catford as well as a new operator to take over the Gateway cinema in the borough, with Irish operator Arc Cinemas taking over the nine-screen venue.
Meanwhile, uncertainty over the limited extent of Catford’s regeneration continues to mount as councillors admitted late last year that only 30% of funding had been secured – not enough was secured to realign one of the town centre’s key roads.
