Blockbuster may not exist anymore, but Sidcup is set to be home to many of them.

Bexley Council has announced plans to develop a cinema in the abandoned Blockbuster site in the High Street.

The council bought the site earlier this year and is now looking for a picture house operator for the site, and plans to move Sidcup Library into the town centre.

Blockbuster filed for bankruptcy in 2010.

Cllr Linda Bailey, cabinet member for regeneration and growth said: “It is still early days, but we know that retail habits are changing and that people come to places like Sidcup to visit the fantastic independent traders and meet up with friends.

"So we want to create new destinations here and across our borough that will ensure local residents enjoy our high streets and that local businesses thrive.

"In the coming weeks, we will be going to the market to find a picture house operator to work with us. We will also start thinking about how the site might operate in practice. We hope to have more news by Christmas.”

There is a Cineworld cinema in Bexleyheath town centre and a Showcase at Bluewater.

Councillor Peter Craske, member for community safety, environment and leisure, said: “We already have a great library service in Bexley that we can all be proud of, but it is important that we continue to look for new opportunities. Moving Sidcup Library to this central location, on a shared site with a picture house, would put it right in the heart of the town.

"In Sidcup, we already have a thriving cultural offer with our two brilliant colleges: Bird and Rose Bruford. A picture house would be great for their students and the wider community.

"The site we have in mind has good transport links and car parks nearby. I am really excited by the idea of getting a picture house back in the town and I really hope we can pull it off."

There are no plans for the current library site at present. Should the relocation plans get the green light, the council said it will probably be turned into homes.