Plans for the transformation of a former art deco cinema site in Sidcup into 31 apartments and a new gym have been given the go-ahead. Montreaux Homes has received detailed planning approval from Bexley Council for the site located at 157 Station Road in Sidcup town centre. The site formerly contained an Odeon cinema that was later converted to the Lamorbey Swimming Centre which was ultimately demolished in 2008.

The new development, named Urban Picturehouse, takes inspiration from the art deco style of the original Odeon theatre. The new building is intended to restore some of the former glamour of the art deco period with a frontage that features glazed tiles, a multi-dimensional façade, and large windows to take advantage of natural light.

It will offer a range of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in two newly constructed buildings. The state-of-the-art gym, located at the ground floor level, will be run by Pure Gym. Ideally located just a few minutes' walk from Sidcup station (23 minutes to London Bridge), it is another example of a modern design in a sustainable location providing much-needed homes in the area.

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James Rowntree, MD of Montreaux Homes, said: "As part of the Montreaux Homes commitment to people and places, we are proud that our design has been approved and will bring both beauty and amenity to the local area. This is a convenient and sought-after location, and we expect there to be great demand for these high specification new homes."

Urban Picturehouse is designed to meet the needs of modern lifestyles, with spacious interiors and a private outdoor space for each home in the form of terraces or balconies. Residents will also have use of a communal garden created above the gym and positioned between the two residential blocks.

James O'Sullivan, the technical manager of Montreaux Homes, said: "Planning has been a challenge on the site, but with the input from Bexley planning department, who have worked tirelessly with us on the details of the scheme, the end result is an exciting and innovative landmark building that will stand the test of time for many years to come."

The original Odeon cinema opened on 21st October 1935. It was closed on 16th October 1944 due to bomb damage to the auditorium from the Luftwaffe. It re-opened on 2nd August 1954, after restoration/reconstruction work was completed. The Odeon finally closed as a cinema on 14th January 1961 and was converted into a swimming pool in 1967, under the name Lamorbey Baths. When a new modern leisure centre opened nearby the swimming pool was closed and lay derelict before finally being demolished in 2008.