A lack of arts buildings in Bromley could lead to the borough becoming a ‘cultural wasteland’, a councillor has claimed.

The comments came alongside a discussion by Bromley councillors on the planned closure of the Picturehouse cinema on Bromley High Street.

The cinema announced on X on June 24 that the branch would be closing on August 1.

Lib Dem Councillor Sam Webber asked at a Bromley Council meeting on July 15 how the authority would attempt to prevent the closure.

Cllr Webber said in his written question: “How can the council ensure that another gem in Bromley’s cultural crown can be protected for future generations and ensure this important art deco building in central Bromley is safeguarded?”

The councillor also noted a petition had been set up to preserve the cinema which had received over 4,700 signatures.

The cinema opened in 2019 and the building itself reportedly dates back to 1936, featuring art deco elements by architect George Coles.

The Picturehouse group was bought by Cineworld in 2012. Conservative Councillor Colin Smith, leader of the council, said at the meeting that Cineworld was reported to be in talks with bidders over the sale of all of its UK sites, which includes over 100 cinemas.

Cllr Smith said: “There is nothing specific that the council can do to prevent the closure of the Picturehouse per se.

"However, the building is locally listed and the front porch is within a conservation area, so the building itself does have some planning protection.”

Labour Councillor Alisa Igoe asked if the council would consider retaining the Bromley Picturehouse building as a cultural arts centre.

Cllr Smith responded by saying there was regrettably no funding available to make such a bid as the council was forecasted to go bankrupt by 2028.

Cllr Igoe said at the meeting: “We are possibly in danger of becoming a cultural wasteland in Bromley if the council does not attempt to keep some of these cultural and arts buildings working within Bromley.”

Conservative Councillor Alexa Michael said at the meeting that it would be worth investigating whether the whole of the cinema building could be incorporated into the conservation area.

Cllr Smith suggested that Cllr Michael and Conservative Councillor Yvonne Bear, portfolio holder for renewal, looked into whether such a proposal was possible.