More than a dozen of Croydon’s landmark buildings will be revealing their inner secrets over the weekend of 17 & 18 September as part of the annual Open House London festival of architecture and design.
The town’s rich architectural legacy, dating from the 13th century to the present day, will be showcased. Among the highlights of the weekend will be tours of the yet-to-be-completed Ruskin Square development adjacent to East Croydon station. This follows on from last year’s successful Open House tours of work-in-progress on this key regeneration site.
The opportunity to see Tudor housing dating from 1596, at Whitgift Almshouses, will provide an insight into a much earlier period of building design and style.
Shirley Windmill, the last remaining windmill in Croydon, is also on the tour, and visitors will see the building and hear about its history.
There is also the chance to explore the council’s own offices at Bernard Weatherill House. Glass-sided lifts will take guests up through the eight floors of the central atrium before rising the final four floors with panoramic external views across the town.
Other buildings and sites included in the guidebook include the world’s largest urban pop-up saffron farm, the world’s oldest air traffic control tower, and St Bernard‘s Houses, which have been described as a group of homes, ‘with few equals in Britain.’
“The Croydon buildings included in this year’s Open House London event really demonstrate our borough’s long history and current growth. Visitors will get to see everything from important historic landmarks to some of the most modern office and residential developments in London. Taking part in this event is part of a four year commitment and links with our wider cultural ambitions for Croydon.”
Councillor Timothy Godfrey, 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.
Croydon’s participation in Open House weekend follows on from July’s hugely successful collaboration with the National Trust, which shone a light on Croydon’s post-war architecture.
Further information is available at: http://tiny.cc/openhousecroydon
