The owners of an independent cinema in a leafy suburb in north London are to open a second venue in Barking.
Arthouse will operate a two-screen cinema in a new development on the side of the old Abbey Sports Centre in Axe Street.
The scheme will also a City Care health centre, two retail shops and 170 flats with rents set at least 35 per cent at below market rate.
Arthouse has an established venue in Crouch End, and has pledged to make the arts more affordable to residents in the borough.
Sam Neophytou, Arthouse director, said: “Following on from the huge success of Arthouse Crouch End, we know the importance of providing a communal experience.
“Our aim is to make the arts affordable and accessible to all in our community with fair ticket pricing and additional concessions.”
This latest scheme is being heralded as another step towards the borough becoming one of London’s most creative hotspots.
In Dagenham a 18.7-acre site in Rainham Road South will be the home of the first new TV and film production studios in London for a quarter of a century.
The facility, which has been compared to Hollywood, will create 780 jobs and bring £35million to the national economy.
Councillor Darren Rodwell, leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “The new arthouse cinema will satisfy the soul for film lovers and add vibrancy to the town centre, while Care City will help address the health issues we have in the borough.
“And, the new affordable flats will help local people find a new home. It’s a great deal all round.”
Ed Skeates, development director of Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration company, said: “This deal with provide an income for the council, deliver on homes and health and boost Barking and Dagenham’s reputation as London’s latest creative hotspot.”
Lee Fitzpatrick, director at Lindhill Properties Ltd, which will develop the scheme added: “This development will only contribute to the impressive regeneration already taking place in Barking and we believe all proposals will be enjoyed and utilised by the borough’s residents for generations to come.”
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