Demolition complete for new Sidcup cinema to start

The former Blockbuster store in Sidcup has been demolished in advance of a new three-screen cinema.

The new building will also include a library and nine flats on the former site of Blockbuster which has remained empty since 2013. A cafe is also planned.

Former Blockbuster

Demolition crews appear to have completed work at the corner site.

Looking towards junction

The new building is quite basic in form. The curved edge is a nod to interwar art-deco cinema heyday.

Cinema render

Library services will move from the current site to an area within this building. Here’s an artist impression of library space:

Library with large windows illuminating interior with natural light

Brickwork will have a brownish hue.

Work should kick off building the new site in 2020.

Many authorities have seen cinemas as a key element of regeneration. Eltham’s Vue Cinema opened this year. Woolwich will see a Picturehouse, and this week I covered plans for a new cinema in Lewisham in 2022.

Many towns lost cinemas as audiences declined and converting large auditoriums to smaller, more economical screening rooms became prohibitive. Audiences have grown over the past decade.

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I've lived in south east London most of my life growing up in Greenwich borough and working in the area for many years. The site has contributors on occasion and we cover many different topics. Living and working in the area offers an insight into what is happening locally.

4 thoughts on “Demolition complete for new Sidcup cinema to start

  • This will be great for the community of Sidcup

    Reply
  • I was one of the view people that originally came out in favour of the new cinema, Library which will be light and airy. I think this will be good news for the community of Sidcup and will bring passing footfall for other local businesses.

    Reply
  • I’m all for the cinema, But why relocate the libary as well ??
    It has been in Hadlow Road for decades so just leave it there. Does not make sense!
    What will be there instead 🙁

    Reply
    • I know, it’s silly to move the library. It has disabled parking just outside. Will this new library and cinema be using Morrisons car park which don’t have enough spaces for themselves?

      Reply

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