College Square in Croydon has been transformed with a vibrant new pavement artwork. The project was led by Croydon Council to engage young people in the arts and restore pride in the town centre.

The new artwork, Croydon Compass, was designed by artist ATMA and delivered by public art specialists Art Streets, with students at Croydon College. It was funded by the Home Office to prevent young people getting involved in crime and strengthening their connections with the local community.

Levi McBeth, one of the students involved in creating the artwork said: ”I think this project was something good and healthy for Croydon. It started with a guided talk with an historian and ended up with a mural. There were lots of people from different fields working together. This just shows if we work together, we can make places look and feel better, have lots of fun and learn new skills.”

The pavement art, which is outside Croydon College, was created through a series of creative workshops and activities. The project began with a guided walk through central Croydon led by social historian and author John Grindrod, giving students the opportunity to explore the town’s rich architectural heritage. From Georgian townhouses to iconic modernist landmarks, such as the ‘50p building’, participants were encouraged to look closely at the shapes, patterns and details that make Croydon’s built environment distinctive.

Drawing inspiration from the tour, students produced sketches based on the architecture and design features they had seen. These ideas were then brought together by Art Streets and lead artist ATMA to create a striking geometric design that celebrates Croydon’s past, present and future.

Over a week, students worked alongside professional artists to paint the artwork, gaining hands-on experience and adding colour and character to the square.

Iona Hodgson, director of Art Streets, said: “This project exemplifies the power of collaborative public art. From the earliest research stages through to the final paintbrush strokes, young people have been active contributors to the creative process. Their ideas shaped the artwork, and their involvement has helped create something that genuinely belongs to the community. We hope participants have gained new skills, confidence and a deeper connection to the place they live and study.”

Levi Goff, art lecturer at Croydon College, said: “This project gave our students a fantastic opportunity to experience the full journey of a public art commission, from researching Croydon’s rich architectural heritage and developing creative ideas, through to working alongside professional artists to bring a large-scale installation to life. Experiences like this help bridge the gap between education and industry, giving students valuable insight into collaborative creative practice while building their confidence and understanding of how art can have a meaningful impact on public spaces. Seeing their ideas reflected in a permanent artwork at the heart of the town has been incredibly rewarding and is something they can be genuinely proud of.”

Lead artist ATMA said: “Croydon Compass is a celebration of the town’s architectural character and creative energy. By translating local buildings into a dynamic visual language, we’ve created an artwork that encourages people to see familiar surroundings differently. We hope the installation not only brightens the square, but also strengthens its identity as a destination and a place where people want to spend time.”

The installation supports Executive Mayor Jason Perry’s commitment to empower Croydon’s large population of under-19s with skills and opportunity and create more welcoming public spaces.

“Croydon Compass is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when young people are given the opportunity to shape and improve the places around them. The students have worked hard to bring this artwork to life, creating public art that is both meaningful and unique.

“This once grey pavement is now a colourful and welcoming space that reflects the identity of our borough. I am incredibly proud to support projects that give young people a voice, help them to build confidence and feel connected to their community.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon

Photo by Art Streets.