Peckham road closed over 'dangerous' former cinema structure
Southwark Council is investigating the building on Rye Lane and has closed the road to the public.
Incident → evidence → outcomeRye Lane in Peckham has been closed to traffic and the public since Thursday, September 3, because of a building deemed potentially dangerous. The structure is located at the former cinema site at 114-116 Rye Lane, believed to be the Tower Cinema Gateway, which was originally designed in 1914.
Council investigation underway
Southwark Council confirmed the closure and stated that investigations, including a structural assessment, are in progress. A council spokesperson said that updates on when the road might reopen were not yet available. The Met Police were present on Thursday evening to manage traffic and ensure public safety by preventing access to the affected area.
The original cinema venue closed permanently in 1956. The auditorium was later demolished, and the remaining tower structure was repurposed as an entrance to the Choumert Grove Car Park, which is operated by Southwark Council.
Transport disruption
The closure of Rye Lane has led to diversions for several bus routes. Services including the 36, 136, 171, 436, N89, N136, and N171 are currently rerouting via Peckham High Road towards Camberwell.
Questions this report answers
01Why is Rye Lane in Peckham closed?
Rye Lane is closed because of a building at the former Tower Cinema Gateway site that Southwark Council has identified as potentially dangerous. The council is currently investigating the structure and conducting a safety assessment.
02What is being done about the dangerous building?
Southwark Council is undertaking a structural assessment of the building on Rye Lane. They are investigating its safety and will provide further updates on when the road might reopen.
03How are buses affected by the closure?
Several bus routes are diverting away from Rye Lane due to the closure. Routes such as the 36, 136, 171, 436, N89, N136, and N171 are currently being rerouted via Peckham High Road.
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