The London Borough of Bexley has been working hard to ensure the long-term future of the cinema in Sidcup since being made aware of the proposed winding up order on 23 December.

This has included conversations with the liquidator appointed on 7 January.  The liquidator has now agreed the voluntary liquidation of the former operator and the Council is agreeing a licence to occupy by a successor company. This enables all ticket sales and memberships to be honoured as the site trades as normal.

The cinema has already become a much-loved feature of the town and has had a strong impact on the local economy creating new jobs, stimulating investment and a real sense of vibrancy.

The building itself, with a new library and flats, has already won many awards including a prestigious RIBA Pineapple Award in recognition of its outstanding design and its success in bringing the community back to the High Street and the regional LABC (Local Authority Building Control) Building Excellence award for the ‘Best public or community building’.

In the last week came further news that the site has been nominated for the 2025 Civic Trust Awards final and is one of 39 selected from over 300 applicants.  This is amazing news and a fabulous endorsement by highly experienced and well respected, independent external assessors.

The Council will now move quickly to appoint a new operator for the longer term and will update further as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the library will continue to operate on its usual basis.