Search Begins for New Operator for Catford Mews

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. 

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.

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.

Lewisham Council have provided extraordinary interim support grants to independent small businesses. Lewisham Works, the council’s free jobs and skills service, has been supporting Catford Mews employees to find further work, following the closure.

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.