Sidcup is the latest Bexley town that is set to benefit from a major revamp as the council looks to regenerate parts of the borough.

The high street is poised to join others such as Belvedere in having a makeover in a bid to encourage “good growth” of homes and jobs.

The council has plans for 31,500 homes by 2050, along with improving parts of the borough in the north, as well as Sidcup.

Plans to build a cinema and relocate the library to the old Blockbuster store have long been in the works, with architects signing on to a deal last year.

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The scheme to close the library, move services and build houses at the old site upset some locals who said the current set-up was perfect for regulars.

At a meeting next week, the council’s cabinet – the top team of councillors – is set to sign off on plans to progress the high street.

According to a report: “Sidcup, like all high streets across the country, is facing ongoing challenges as shopping habits change and leisure destinations become more important in attracting footfall.

“Despite a successful programme funded jointly by the Mayor of London’s Outer London Fund and Bexley Council, empty units are again appearing on the High Street.

“To remain economically successful, sustaining businesses, their supply chains and local jobs the council made two important strategic decisions – to purchase the properties that will now form the site for the library and cinema and to ensure that the Manor House attracted new investment for a use that would enable public access.”

Under new plans to be signed off, the council will agree a lease with a boutique spa and hotel to take over the listed Sidcup Manor House.

The multi-million pound development will have at least 42 beds, restaurants and bars, and building could start by 2021.

The old Blockbuster site will be turned into a new library and three-screen cinema, open seven days a week.

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The cinema could be open by 2021, with Blockbuster having been closed since 2013.

The report explains: “Cinemas are again very popular destinations as can be seen by a range of new builds and expansions in other places. Bexley currently has only one cinema in the borough.

“A small, locally focussed cinema of two to four screens offers an alternative, niche model very different from those in other towns.”

The update on Sidcup’s future comes weeks after the council signed off on developing a masterplan for Belvedere, another area earmarked for major growth by the council.