Croydon Youth Theatre Organisation’s Shoestring Theatre has had a bold upgrade to make the building more accessible and welcoming to the community.
Croydon Council has been working with CYTO’s young members and architects Fabric Space as they co-designed the changes to the theatre in Oakley Road, South Norwood.
New signage and a vibrant mural have been unveiled outside the building, both co-created with the young members.
Accessible entrance doors have been installed and improvements have been made for the safety of visitors, including at emergency exits. Security and access have also been enhanced with a new CCTV and intercom system.
The changes were made possible with a £85,000 grant from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund, through the Council’s South Norwood Regeneration Programme.
The works form the first phase in a longer-term vision to transform the building into a flexible space for CYTO that better supports their programme of events and helps them move towards a sustainable future.
CYTO’s members took part in workshops as part of the project and gained hands-on leadership experience through the theatre’s newly established Youth Board.
Rebecca, 18, said: “As CYTO members, we’re able to take more pride in the fact that the work we are making is going to better reach the local community.”
Fifteen-year-old Daniel said: “It’s made the building look brand new and feels like it’s going to bring new life to CYTO. It’s made me have a renewed faith in the future of CYTO. The changes made me believe in a bright future for this building.”
Eleni, 13, added: “Seeing the new signage made me feel amazing – it was great to see it in real life after we helped design it. It’s a great example of CYTO representing as a youth-led organisation.”
CYTO is the borough’s longest-running youth theatre and is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025.
It is one of three local community organisations – alongside Stanley Arts and Socco Cheta Community Hub – that received the Mayor of London’s Good Growth funding from the South Norwood Regeneration Programme.
“Our South Norwood Regeneration Programme has been working with residents, businesses and voluntary groups across a range of projects to regenerate and restore pride in South Norwood. We were delighted to get behind this charity and to empower the young through the improvements to Shoestring Theatre.
“Croydon Youth Theatre Organisation is a shining example of the creativity and talent in our community and the opportunities their much-loved theatre creates. We congratulate them on the all the hard work as they prepare for their 60th anniversary celebrations in September.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
