Plans to restore a historic Ladywell building have taken a step forward after the Council confirmed it will be brought back into community-use.

Ladywell Playtower, built as a public swimming baths in 1884, was bought by developer Guildmore and cinema chain Curzon nearly two years ago after it initially closed in 2004.

Plans to transform the historic Victorian bath house into a new three-screen cinema with café, bar and residential units have now been revised to also include a dedicated space for use by community groups and as an affordable workspace.

A spokesperson for the Council said: "Investigations into the condition of the building revealed that the cost of restoring the historic building, which sits within the St Mary’s Conservation Area, were greater than anticipated. As solutions to raise the necessary funds were explored, the restoration works slowed.

"Following conversations between the council, the developer Guildmore and Curzon over the summer, the proposed restoration works to Ladywell Playtower have been revised."

Under the revised plans up to 2000m sq of ground floor space will be used as an affordable workspace for local businesses, or as a bookable community space, which will be let at below the market rate.

Curzon Cinemas has also committed to offer discounted cinema tickets to local residents.

A full planning application is expected to be submitted early in 2020.

Lewisham Council admitted in August the development has taken "longer than anticipated" with no date in place for construction to start.

The developers acquired the derelict building in November 2017, which had been damaged by fire and fallen into disrepair.

A petition by the Lewisham Building Preservation Trust calling for development to get underway racked up more than 900 signatures.