Open House London returns to Croydon in September

Residents have the opportunity to explore some of Croydon’s most iconic buildings for free – as Open House London returns next month.

Fourteen Croydon buildings including the oldest air traffic control tower in the world, the Grade II* listed Airport House, and the Church of St Mary the Blessed Virgin in Addington Village are among more than 800 properties across the capital opening their doors to the public on 21-22 September.

Across the two days, Shirley Windmill, Croydon’s last remaining windmill, will be open to visitors, as will Croydon Council’s offices at Bernard Weatherill House. Croydon Town Hall and the Clocktower will also open its doors, along with Thornton Heath Library.

The Whitgift Almshouses in North End will also be open and visitors have the chance to follow in the footsteps of past Archbishops of Canterbury and Queen Elizabeth I with a visit to Old Palace. The Stanley Halls in South Norwood will also be participating.

Council-owned developer Brick by Brick is opening its shop and offices on George Street for limited tours. Tours of the newly-renovated Fairfield Halls, which only reopens five days earlier following a multi-million-pound refurbishment, are already fully booked. There is free activity across the weekend at Fairfield Halls, including Anatomy of the Orchestra with the Paraorchestra and a Jazz Session by Wendy Kirkland.

“We have some fantastic architecture here in Croydon and I’m really pleased residents will be able to see some of it for themselves, free of charge.

“With this year’s Open House taking place just a few days after Fairfield Halls reopens, those lucky enough to be on the sold-out tours will have the perfect opportunity to see how we have transformed Croydon’s iconic theatre into a modern, world-class arts centre, restoring and protecting its unique character with an award-winning, heritage-led design.

“I hope people take up this great opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history this borough has.”

Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport

Access to the buildings and walks is free. Some are open on a first-come first-served basis, but others require pre-booking. For more information, opening times and a full list of buildings open during the weekend, visit Croydon’s page on the Open House London website.

2019-08-23T16:08:44+01:00 August 23rd, 2019|Recent news|