Abandoned Catford Mews cinema now subject of a eviction battle with squatters

Squatters have reportedly moved into a cinema which closed suddenly six months ago.

The intruders are believed to have taken over the former Catford Mews building in Catford town centre around a fortnight ago.

Employees at neighbouring businesses said the squatters had mostly kept a low profile, except two Saturdays ago, on March 22, when they allegedly held an all-day rave in the building.

A Holland and Barrett employee said that when he turned up to work, he could hear booming music coming from next door. He added: “The police came later in the afternoon and stood outside. I think it had stopped by the time I closed up for the day.”

Another resident, who declined to be named, said: “It’s exactly how you’d imagine it to be with squatters. There’s music, noise and partying. Who knows how they’re going to the toilet or showering. I’m just glad I’m not the one cleaning up after them when they’re kicked out.”

The Catford Regeneration Partnership Limited (CRPL), a firm wholly owned by Lewisham council, manages the Catford Mews building. The CRPL served an eviction order on the building’s illegal occupiers on Monday. A possession hearing is scheduled to take place at Bromley County Court tomorrow.

A notice stuck up outside the property, apparently by the building’s occupiers, warns outsiders not to enter the property and said there was at least one person inside at any time.

The apparent occupation of the former Catford Mews site by squatters is a setback to Lewisham council, who have been trying to bring the building back into use since it closed it down in October following a rent dispute with the operator.

Local Labour MP Janet Daby released a statement on February 4 saying the council had received ‘several promising bids’ from potential new operators and was reviewing them, with a decision ‘expected imminently’.

According to a source, a council official told a local meeting on February 13 that an announcement about the future of Catford Mews was expected within weeks. But there have so far been no further updates from the Labour-run council about the venue’s future.

Catford Mews’ previous operator, Really Local Group (RLG), had racked up £650,000 in unpaid rent to the CRPL when it was shut down by Lewisham council in October last year.

A CRPL spokesman said: “We have made the council aware of an issue at 32 Winslade Way and are taking the necessary actions to resolve this. CRPL, supported by the council, is keen to bring the unit back to life as soon as possible, and we have been working to identify a new operator who will be able to bring an exciting new space to Catford.”

Lewisham council has been contacted for comment.

Pictured top: The former Catford Mews cinema (Picture: LDRS/Robert Firth)