The next step in bringing a six screen cinema to Eltham was taken as construction work started on the building.

Part of the so-called Eltham Masterplan, construction started at the site on January 30.

The project is part of a large regeneration of the high street to make it an entertainment destination, including the instalment of a £40,000 Hollywood-style Eltham sign.

Pizza Express and Nando’s have confirmed they will join the new six-screen cinema complex, which will be run by Vue. The venue will also include a Sky Bar on the first floor.

Cllr Denise Hyland, leader of Greenwich Council, said: “This project is making great progress and when it is complete it will provide a new six-screen cinema with a major cinema operator Vue Entertainment, two high profile restaurants and a Sky Bar - not every council can say they have built such a major facility for the high-street.”

Councillor Danny Thorpe, deputy leader, said: “I am delighted to be here to celebrate this momentous occasion of commencing the main works.

"It is really exciting to think that by the end of this year the main construction will be complete and then we can hand over to Vue to fit out the cinema and open in spring 2019.”

Adam Worrall, operations director at Willmott Dixon, said: “We have been working in this borough for 10 years and are very proud to be part of this bold new scheme.

"With local delivery from our Dartford office and working with our local supply chain partners, we understand the positive difference this will make to the community and look forward to a successful, quality completion of the next stage later this year.”

The new cinema complex scheme will see new jobs created during the construction phase and once the complex opens, scheduled for spring 2019.