The creation of a subterranean mushroom farm, colourful artwork celebrating the different nationalities that call Croydon home and the creation of a new music venue for local artists, are just some of the innovative ideas put forward to transform town centre subways.
The Reimagine Croydon’s Subways competition called on the public to suggest creative ways the six subways located around Croydon town centre could be revitalised and brought back into use.
More than 40 proposals were submitted across the three competition categories – professional, non-professional and under-18s – and 13 entries have been shortlisted by the judging panel.
The full list of shortlisted ideas, which include painting colourful artwork depicting Croydon landmarks; transforming a subway into a pop-up restaurant, underground cinema or running track; and the creation of an audio museum sharing details of Croydon’s culture and history with pedestrians, can be viewed online here.
A public exhibition detailing each of the shortlisted proposals will be unveiled next week on hoardings outside Fairfield Halls and in Central library, Katharine Street, until 23 February.
The public can use these to find out more about each idea, before sharing their views on the submissions online. The views and comments expressed by the public will inform the judges’ final decision on the winning idea in each category.
“We have had a fantastic response to Reimagine Croydon’s Subways and were really impressed by the variety of entries we received which made shortlisting quite a difficult task.
“We are really excited to hear the public’s views on the shortlisted proposals and encourage everyone to pop down to Fairfield Halls from 6 February and share their feedback with us online to help shape the judges’ final decision.”
Councillor Paul Scott, cabinet member for environment, transport and regeneration
The public have until 23 February to submit their comments and the winning ideas will be announced on 27 February. For more information on the shortlisted entries or to feedback on the proposals visit https://www.croydon.gov.uk/reimaginesubways
