Croydon is preparing to open its doors to the public once again for Open House Weekend.
Bernard Weatherill House, Croydon Council’s offices, will be open on Saturday, along with the Town Hall and Thornton Heath Library, as part of Open House London festival of architecture and design.
Croydon’s Fairfield Halls is also open to the public on Saturday for the first time since last year’s event, giving people a chance to take an exclusive look at the £30million refurbishment works taking place at the iconic venue before it opens its doors next year.
There are four sold-out tours of 25 people on Saturday.
“Open House Weekend is a fantastic opportunity for people to take a look at some of the wonderful architecture in London and I’m glad Croydon is taking part in it once again.
“Those lucky enough to visit Fairfield Halls will be able to take an exclusive look at this much-loved venue, and see the work that has been going on since the last time it opened its doors.
“Croydon has a rich architectural history and there’s also the opportunity to see some of the borough’s historic buildings.”
Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport
The world’s oldest air traffic control tower, Airport House, a Grade II* listed Government building, will be open over the weekend. Both the Stanley Halls in South Norwood and the Whitgift Almshouses in North End are open on Saturday, as is Old Palace, a Grade I listed manor house and former residence of Archbishops of Canterbury from the 13th to 18th century, which was regularly visited by Queen Elizabeth I.
Shirley Windmill, the last remaining windmill in Croydon, is open on Sunday and visitors will see the building and hear about its history.
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 visit Croydon’s page on the Open House website.
