Plans for a six-screen cinema complex in Eltham with a Nandos and a Pizza Express have received a financial boost from the council.

At a Greenwich Council cabinet meeting on October 11, councillors approved proposals to pump an extra £6.8 million into the cinema project, which is expected to be open in March 2019.

The council said this was because the original £14 million proved to not be enough to complete the complex.

The scheme to turn the old co-op into a £20million cinema complex and two restaurants also includes plans for a sky bar.

The council purchased the land in 2012 and agreed to the grand plans in November 2013 to turn it into a new attraction for the town centre.

Work demolishing the old co-op department store was started in December 2015 and finished earlier this year in April.

Work on the basement is already in place at construction of the main building will begin in November 2017.

Eltham has seen a significant amount of investment into reinvigorating the town centre, including a controversial £40,000 Hollywood-style Eltham sign.

A spokesperson for the council said: “The aim of the Council taking the lead in the development of the project was to stimulate economic growth in Eltham High Street and leave the Council with a retained asset that generates ongoing income to support its financial position.

“During the development of the detailed design, a number of changes have been required to meet the requirements of the cinema operator. These changes have increased the project cost and extended the programme.”

“The cinema development objectives were aimed at invigorating the local economy, creating local jobs for local people, attracting further investment in the town centre and increasing footfall for local businesses.

“The development complements and enhances the major upgrade to the public realm in Eltham that is nearing completion and will continue to enhance and support the town centre into a more vibrant location."