Croydon Council has welcomed news a pre-let agreement has been made with a government department for Two Ruskin Square.
On Tuesday it was announced the Government Property Agency (GPA) had agreed a pre-let with developers Schroder Real Estate and Stanhope for the new 10-storey, 330,000 sq ft building located adjacent to East Croydon station.
The 25-year-lease will see the site become home to another major government department following the letting of One Ruskin Square to HM Revenue & Customs in 2017.
Councillor Tony Newman, leader of the council
“In these difficult times this is some really welcome news and a real vote of confidence in our town for residents and businesses alike. We have always said Croydon’s offering to the business community, combined with its excellent transport connections rivalled that of central London.
“In the last few years we have seen some of the UK’s biggest companies move their businesses to the heart of our borough, and this 25-year deal proves more and more employers are recognising this.”
The new development will be the second office building at the Ruskin Square site which has outline planning permission. A further planning application has been submitted to the council for Two Ruskin Square which, if granted, will see work start on the site in the summer with a completion target of late 2023.
Councillor Manju Shahul-Hameed, cabinet member for economy and jobs
“I look forward to welcoming another government department to the borough which importantly will bring with it new jobs and training opportunities for residents, particularly within construction when – subject to planning permission – work on site begins.
“Croydon is rapidly evolving and is continuing to build on its solid reputation as an excellent place to live, work and play, which is crucial to continuing to strengthen our local economy.”
Jessica Berney, Fund Manager, Schroder UK Real Estate Fund, added: “Ruskin Square has paved the way in Croydon for attractive, high quality office and residential space, conveniently located and fit-for-purpose. The town continues to attract occupiers to its wealth of community amenities, enviable transport connections and growing workforce thanks to its increasingly favourable reputation among homeowners seeking more affordable alternatives to central London living and recent commitments from University teaching space.”
