A new five-screen cinema is set to come to Woolwich town centre, giving the borough a "new landmark destination" and the district's first cinema in 20 years.

The plans, part of proposals for the regeneration of the area between Plumstead Road and Spray Street, have been heralded as "a game changing moment for Woolwich."

Picturehouse will deliver the new cinema in partnership with a joint venture between St. Modwen and Notting Hill Genesis called SSQ LLP.

The Woolwich Picturehouse cinema will offer big screen entertainment ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to art house releases, as well as somewhere for people to eat, meet and relax.

Cllr Sizwe James, cabinet member for regeneration and growth at Greenwich Council, said: "We know that residents both old and new have a shared aspiration for a cinema in the town centre alongside new homes and businesses and better public spaces.

"This announcement will bring us one step closer to realising that vision."

The councillor added that Eltham High Street had received a massive boost since a cinema opened there this year, therefore she looked forward to receiving the new planning application.

The cinema will be the second Picturehouse in Greenwich, but Woolwich has been without a cinema of its own since the Coronet Cinema closed down in 1999.

The joint venture said the plans celebrate a golden era of film in the area, paying homage to Woolwich’s former Regal, Century and Grenada cinemas, transforming the town centre and creating a vibrant new destination for film lovers.

Further details of the regeneration will be shared as part of an upcoming consultation in early 2020, and SSQ LLP says it is committed to working with the community before any amended plans are submitted to the council.

Gary Morris, Senior Development Manager at St. Modwen, commented: “Having Picturehouse as our cinema operator will create a unique experience in Woolwich that boosts the

evening economy and draws visitors into the town centre.

“Our plan to regenerate Woolwich town centre will not only enhance Woolwich’s rich heritage and breathe new life into the Former Covered Market, it will deliver high-quality homes and facilities to meet the needs of the community.”