Yahoo News Search begins for a new leisure operator to take over Catford Mews
The search has begun for a new leisure operator to take over Catford Mews after a breakdown in relations between Lewisham Council and the previous operator, Really Local Group (RGL). On October 30, it was announced Catford Mews would shut its doors after the council issued a closure notice to RGL over unpaid rent arrears worth £650,000.
Catford Mews, on Winslade Way, opened in September 2019, with three cinema screens, a café and bar as well as spaces for local vendors, co-working, and events. The venue is named after the original Catford Mews, an indoor market that closed years ago before Poundland took over the site.
Lewisham Council states there is already early interest from other leisure operators in Catford Regeneration Partnership Limited (CRPL) about to go to market. A spokesman said: "The council recognises the impact the temporary closure of Catford Mews has had on the community and the concerns raised by residents but also the legal duty of CRPL to be financially responsible.
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"The independent Board of Directors of CRPL last week met to consider a follow-up proposal from Really Local Group (RLG), the previous operator, which CRPL have since declined. This is because CRPL and Really Local Group (RLG) were unable to agree terms that would provide assurance to CRPL that rent arrears and future rents would be paid in full.
"Lewisham Council is confident that CRPL will find a new operator who will provide an accessible and financially sustainable space which adds value to Catford Town Centre, as soon as possible. In promising news, the council have passed on multiple expressions of interest to CRPL and will continue to support engagement with potential new operators of the space. Viewings of the space will start this month. The council will update more on this in the coming weeks."
Council awarded operator £50,000 refurbishment grant that was 'never delivered'
RGL maintains its arrears came about during Covid and were 'exacerbated by post-pandemic issues', adding it was 'surprised and saddened' to receive the 'unexpected' notice, and states a 10-year operational deal had been agreed with the council in May.
Lewisham Council says it granted RGL a 'significant rent-free period' after the pandemic, and that it awarded RGL a £50,000 refurbishment grant that 'was never delivered' by the business. RGL followed up its statement by accusing the local authority of 'misinformation and spin'.
The council claims that despite formal notification from CRPL four weeks prior to potential repossession, Really Local Group (RLG) "did not provide advance notice" to the several small businesses (RLG’s sub-tenants) operating in Catford Mews "nor to their own staff". The council adds that it has provided extraordinary interim support grants to independent small businesses.
Nearby library open with access to WiFi, study space and more
Lewisham Works, the council’s free jobs and skills service, has also been supporting Catford Mews employees to find further work, following the closure.
The spokesman added: "The council shares the community’s disappointment over the need for this temporary closure of Catford Mews. In the meantime, nearby Catford Library remains open to residents, with access to free WiFi, work and study space, and a range of other facilities. Lewisham Council’s focus is to work with CRPL, to speed up the reopening of Catford Mews while supporting the businesses and employees affected."
A spokesperson from Really Local Group said: "We refute these latest allegations, particularly around notice of eviction. This is simply not true and sadly further deflection… a transparent attempt to sow discord with our team and our vendors.
"We despair to see further council resources wasted versus everyone getting together to reopen the cinema as soon as possible. It’s a shame our community are now being forced to travel great distances to see Paddington, Gladiator 2 and Wicked. Sad!"
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