Lewisham may be about to get a brand-new cinema or art space.

Lewisham Council is considering proposals for the development of the derelict Ladywell Playtower on Ladywell road.

Picturehouse Cinemas, RJK and Hillman, Goldsmiths, University of London and Guildmore in partnership with Curzon Cinemas have all put in bids to develop the grade II listed building.

Three out of four of the proposed development plans involve building a cinema.

Originally a Victorian bath house, Ladywell Playtower was built in 1884. It comprises of two large pool halls and other spaces for changing and offices.

Picturehouse Cinemas is proposing turning the space into a five screen cinema comprising of up to approximately 620 seats.

The main pool hall would be converted to create one large cinema screen and the other four screens will be housed in a newly built extension.

Guildmore’s proposal involves turning the Playtower in to a three screen cinema operated by Curzon Cinemas with a freely accessible public events foyer and spaces for a café, bar and restaurant.

RJK and Hillman’s plans for the space include turning the former first-class pool area into a performance and event space.

It would also include building a small cinema as well as artist/maker studios, cafes, creative business offices, art galleries, a communal garden-courtyard, restaurants and health and well-being studios.

Goldsmiths, University of London, is proposing to use Ladywell as a location for their post-graduate art courses.

The university would also put on a range of public engagement programmes and create studio spaces for professional artists.

Picturehouse communications manager Corrina Antrobus said: “We believe every neighbourhood should have access to an eclectic range of cinema in comfortable accessible venues to help enrich the community.

“We love Lewisham for its rich mix of cultural activity and its diverse audience. We are excited by the possibility of contributing great cinema, events, jobs and spaces to meet to the developments of the neighbourhood.”

Speaking on behalf of RJK and Hillman, Sydney Thornbury said: “We are keen to make the Playtower a cultural quarter for Ladywell, with artist studios, a performance and event space, creative offices, a restaurant and a cinema, similar to what we’ve created at the Bussey Building."

“We think the project will benefit the community enormously by bringing jobs, creativity and cultural opportunities to the area and reinstating the Playtower to the central role it played in the life of the community for so long," she added.

Patrick Quinlan said that Guildmore has experience in restoring heritage buildings.

He said: “Guildmore have excellent form in this regard, having recently completed the award winning restoration of the Grade II Listed Poplar Baths in Tower Hamlets, Ladywell Playtower appeals to us as our next opportunity to turn another challenging, endangered listed building into a good news story for the local community.”

Goldsmith’s declined to comment at this stage in the consultation.

The full proposals can be seen at http://ladywellplaytower.co.uk/gallery/. A survey can be taken on Lewisham Council’s website at https://lewisham-consult.objective.co.uk/portal/regeneration/regeneration_and_asset_management/ladywell_playtower.