Plans for a stunning new cultural quarter in the heart of Croydon have been awarded a Government cash boost for their contribution to growth in the region.
Croydon Council has successfully bid for £14.2million Coast to Capital Partnership Funding to enhance the regeneration of College Green and Fairfield, which is being delivered by the council’s development company Brick by Brick.
The project will see this under-used area reconnected to the rest of the town centre and transformed into a stunning new cultural quarter for Croydon and the South East.
The first phase of the College Green regeneration – the refurbishment of the Fairfield Halls – is already underway, with contractors preparing the site for the main structural works to start in May. The detailed planning application for the first phase is due to go before committee later this month (23 February).
As a key part of Croydon’s overall £5.25 billion regeneration, the plans include much-needed new homes, a new, high-quality public space, a new college, retail and office space – all with the new Fairfield Halls at its heart.
Cllr Alison Butler, cabinet member for homes, regeneration and planning, said: “This funding award represents a huge vote of confidence in our vision for the new cultural quarter at Fairfield and College Green, and for the whole of Croydon. Through this ambitious regeneration we are delivering new homes, new jobs and a new college – together with a fantastic new performance venue right at the heart of the development. It is hugely important, not only for Croydon but for the South East, putting our town firmly back on the map as a key destination for arts and leisure.”
“It’s great to get this news on the day Croydon is named as one of the top ten up-and-coming places in London. This is an excellent example of what we have achieved for Croydon’s residents through partnership working with the Government, Greater London Authority (GLA) and the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The regeneration of Fairfield is a key part of Croydon’s transformation and fantastic news for the borough.”
Councillor Tony Newman, leader of the council
Plans for Fairfield Halls have been well-received, with design team, Rick Mather Architects winning the NLA (New London Architecture) award in the Conservation and Retrofit category in September.
