A “much-loved” Thamesmead landmark is set to reopen as a cultural hub in time for the town’s 50th anniversary.

The new Lakeside centre, near South Mere Lake, will have workshops, a café and a kitchen designed to support new catering businesses in a bid to transform the area into a creative destination.

The centre, which originally opened in 1971, will also offer affordable housing for cultural key workers, a day nursery, a gallery and pop up markets.

Peabody’s Executive Director for Thamesmead, John Lewis, said: “The Lakeside Centre will be a very special place for residents to enjoy and will also help develop Thamesmead’s existing creative and entrepreneurial spirit and bring new businesses, jobs and visitors to the area.

“Alongside the other exciting changes taking place in the area, this will help Thamesmead fulfil its promise as London’s new town.”

The planning application has been submitted to Bexley Council and a decision is expected to be made this summer with a view to open the centre next April

Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, Justine Simons, said: “Not only will this exciting new partnership put culture right at the heart of the community, it will transform Thamesmead and provide vital creative workspaces and affordable housing for key cultural workers.

“A lack of affordable space is one of the biggest threats to London’s reputation as a cultural powerhouse and we need more partnerships like this.

“We recognise the immense value artists bring to the capital’s identity and success, and I’m delighted that we are working with Peabody and the wonderful Bow Arts to do just this.”

The new space will be managed by Bow Arts, a charity which delivers cultural programmes in east London.

Bow Arts’ chief executive, Marcel Baettig, said: “We know the Centre will become a catalyst for unlocking the talent that we know already exists in the area.”

What do you think of the plans? Email jessica.clark@london.newsquest.co.uk.