IF LONDON is to prosper,C royd o n’s house-building plansare critical.

So says London deputy mayorRichard Blakeway, who hasthrown his weight behind theb o ro u g h ’s ambitious plans tobuild 9,500 new homes in itsmetropolitan centre over thenext five years.

“If London is to meet itshousing challenges, Croydon hasto be at the forefront,” BorisJo h n s o n’s deputy told the annualDevelop Croydon Conference atFairfield Halls.

“Sustaining population growthis critical to London’s success.When cities’ populations decline,their economies stutter.”

Mr Blakeway revealed that hesettled in Croydon when he firstmoved to London in the 1990s.

He said: “I was not a carowner, so why did I come here?There was some pretty nicehousing stock, great open spacesand connectivity.”

Ap p e a l

Mr Blakeway said that rapidtransport links were critical toC royd o n’s appeal.

“I’m struck by the links to thec i t y, ” he said. “From Croydon it’sfaster to get to the city than fromPaddington or Hammersmith.The suburbs of London have vastpotential to contribute to thetype of housing that Londonerswant.”

His sentiments were echoed byAlison Butler, deputy leader ofCroydon Council, who – like MrBlakeway – has specialresponsibility for housing.

“There are opportunities forall but success must be shared byall people across the borough,”she said.

“At its heart are homes, andthis council is ambitious forC royd o n .

“A lack of decent housingaffects life chances, and we’redetermined that a fair share ofnew homes are affordable.”

Pressed by conferencechairman Mark Easton, the BBChome editor, on whether a highproportion of affordable housingwas achievable, Cllr Butler said:“Thirty per cent is realistic.Developers think it can be done.”

Bu i l d i n ghomes isvital forLo n d o n

CROYDON is deliveringnow: that is the clearmessage being given toprospective investorsand developers in the

b o ro u g h .

The private sector-led DevelopCroydon consortium has beenexhibiting the regenerationtaking shape in the borough atMIPIM 2015, the internationalreal estate show which tookplace this week.

They were able to highlightthe meaningful change nowtaking place with landmarkresidential schemes at NewSouth Quarter and SaffronSquare nearing completion, andwork starting on StanhopeSchroders and Menta Redrow’sprime sites near East CroydonS t at i o n .

Richard Plant, chairman of

the Develop Croydon Forum,said: “The momentum isbuilding, as can be seen by therising number of cranes on siteand the rising of new landmarks.

“The progress being made onthe gateway sites either side ofEast Croydon Station is certainto be the catalyst for evengreater growth.”

Mr Plant, who is also apartner of Stiles HaroldWilliams, added: “Last year wetook a map showing 31 keydevelopment projects in the towncentre to MIPIM.

“This year we were able toshowcase 48. Proof, if ever youneeded it, that our time is now.”

Jo Negrini, Croydon Council’sacting director for place, said:“Last year at MIPIM our pitchwas about ‘Why Croydon?

“The fact is we’re well-locatedfor Gatwick and central London,relatively affordable comparedwith the rest of London, andhave a burgeoning tech sector inthe centre.

C ap a c i t y

“We ’ve got that capacity, we’vegot the sites, we’ve goteve r y t h i n g .

“We are now moving from theplanning stages, getting thefoundations right – ourstrategies, masterplans andprofile – into a period over thenext 12 months that’s very muchabout delivery.

“The council was bringingforward and raising the profileof a number of sites at MIPIM.

“We have opportunities, bothin the centre of Croydon andimportantly major sites outside

the centre that we are looking at,particularly in terms of bringforward new homes.”

The action on the ground hasbeen matched by ambition off it,with Chancellor George Osbornehaving confirmed theGovernment would begindiscussions on launching aGrowth Zone in the boroughwhich would devolve powers tothe council, to control local taxrevenues and therefore hold agreater sway on how that moneyis spent locally.

Meanwhile, council leaderTony Newman and GatwickAirport chief executive StewartWingate have signed amemorandum of agreement, toshow the council’s backing for asecond runway at the WestSussex airport, ahead of thissummer’s decision on the plan.

Fo u n d a t i o n s all in p l a ce to construct dynamic town

VISION: Richard Plant

Future to take shape asi t’s now time for delivery

THEF RUM

BRIGHT FUTURE: The Morello scheme hasalready proved hugely popular with investorsand homebuyers and Menta Redrow have justunveiled their next exciting proposals for thegateway site. Full story page 2

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EF RUM

John Lewis says yesto Westfield

Inside

JOHN Lewis has reached a preliminaryagreement to open a store in theproposed £1bn shopping centre

Page 4

Map tracks achanging Croydon

AS THE pace of development inCroydon becomes more rapid, here’s areminder of what is happening

Pages 6&7

Joint venturedelivers new homes

A JOINT venture has helped CroydonChurches Housing Association tocreate much-needed homes

Page 8

Creating a newcultural ‘hear tbeat’

CREATING a cultural heartbeat for thecentre of Croydon forms a key plank ofa vision for the town’s future.

Page 10

Programme links upthe town centre

A HUGE programme of improvementworks is being carried out as part ofthe town centre’s regeneration.

Page 11

Third development phasestarts for East CroydonMenta Redrow continuing to drive forward Morello scheme

Office and residential mixcoming to transform townAA HOMES and Housing says it isnegotiating to buy another primebuilding in central Croydon whichwould combine offices with residentiala c c o m m o d at i o n .

The company, which has beendeveloping and providing private rental,social housing and short lets for morethan 25 years, already has four ‘office tore s i ’ schemes in the heart of the town.

These have the combined potentialfor around 370 flats and AA Homes andHousing is also committed to buying afurther 59 in Aylesbury and 99 inBasildon.

Managing director Dr Anwar Ansarisaid: “We have further exciting projectsin the pipeline that will bring morehousing units to the market, utilisingour vast number of properties and landsites across the UK plus therelationships we have built withinternational funders.

“We are in negotiations to acquire aprime building in central Croydonwhich is a fine example of offices andresidential accommodation in onebu i l d i n g .

“This is a pointer to the futurem ay b e ? ”

THE third exciting phase ofC royd o n’s £168 millionshowcase Morello new homesdevelopment has just beenlaunched by Menta Redrow.

Morello – a flagship project withinthe town’s multi-billion poundredevelopment – will turn a largelyderelict site next to East CroydonStation into a vibrant, sustainable newc o m m u n i t y.

Investors have already bought upalmost all of the first stage of thedevelopment, Maraschino, and nearlytwo-thirds of the second stage, Santina.

Rainier, the freshly-launched thirdphase, is set to be the peak of the cropwith a range of contemporary one, twoand three-bedroom apartments, all builtto the highest specifications with anon-site concierge service and exclusivegym – all just 15 minutes from centralLondon.

It marks a key stage in the project,which will ultimately deliver 900 newhomes, a hotel, apartments, a gym,coffee shops and cafes.

Rev i t a l i s e d

It will also create a pedestrian linkfrom the revitalised Addiscombe area,to the new station bridge, and the newWe s t f i e l d .

Craig Marks, chief executive ofMenta, said: “These are exciting timesfor Croydon as it enters a new era. Weare excited to be part of Croydon’scontinued renaissance with ourpartners Redrow plc and will putCroydon back on the map as a place tol ive. ”

Morello is viewed as a tangibledemonstration of Addiscombe’s risefrom the ashes, as it is being built onthe site of the former home of the Bankof America, which left Croydon in 2012 –taking more than 1,000 jobs with it.

“Addiscombe is a gem of an area, buta lost gem in many respects,” said MrM a rk s.

“It has got some lovely housing andan infrastructure of shops,communities, schools and local pubs

but it has been deprived of thenecessary investment and attention forthe past 20 years.

“The Morello project will deliver over900 new homes but, as well as that, ourinvestment into the area will deliverconnections which will bringAddiscombe ward closer to the townwith the railway bridge.”

Mr Marks says Morello is committedto excellent architecture with the unitshaving been designed by KenShuttlewor th’s world-famous Makepractice, which was also involved in theGherkin in central London.

As well as new homes, the developersare committed to providing agymnasium, work stations andensuring that the buildings are fittedwith state-of-the-art technology andwi-fi.

“It will be a great place to work, agreat place to live and spend time,”added Mr Marks. “We are on site anddigging a basement for 87 cars whichwill be finished within the next year.

“We ’re looking at first occupancy in2017. That’s 300 homes delivered, allwithin 24 months.”

EXCITED: Craig Marks says the town isentering a new era in its development

MODERN LIVING: The Morello development will transform the site

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‘Runway has benefits’

Airport expansion would bringan economic boost to boroughGatwick is vital to Croydon economy

BUSINESSES andresidents in Croydonhave firmly come outin support of GatwickAir port’s expansion

plans, which would bring hugeeconomic benefits for theb o ro u g h .

A Memorandum ofUnderstanding bringingguaranteed benefits to theborough was formally signed byGatwick chief executive StewartWingate and Croydon Councilleader Tony Newman at theannual Develop CroydonConference in November.

The Develop Croydon Forumand Croydon BusinessImprovement District haveissued letters of support to theAirports Commission, which isscrutinising the proposals for asecond runway at Gatwick, whilea recent YouGov poll showedCroydon residents are in favourof the plans.

Should Gatwick’s masterplanbe successful, it will trigger apackage of benefits here:

■ Education, training andrecruitment: Gatwick willensure jobs are available to all ofC royd o n’s communities. Theairport also intends to introducea £3.75m apprenticeship fund –including grants of £1,500 tocover the costs of eachap p re n t i c e s h i p.

■ Procurement and supplychains: Both partners willidentify multiple routes forCroydon-based businesses tobecome part of the Gatwicksupply chain.

■ Housing: Gatwick has pledged£46.5m in a scheme to providelocal authorities such asCroydon with £5,000 per newhouse built to fund localinfrastructure improvements.

■ Transpor t: Both parties willpromote the need for significantinvestment in the growthcorridor from Brighton toLondon via Gatwick andC royd o n .

Gatwick, which has investedmore than £1billion in the pastfive years, says it will providethe greatest economic boost forthe UK – compared to rivalHeathrow – by delivering£90billion of economic benefit

and creating 120,000 jobs.

Mr Wingate said:“ Croydon iswell-placed to take advantage ofGatwick expansion – benefitingfrom jobs, skills, apprenticeshipsand resources for infrastructure.

“The agreement we’ve signedwill help ensure that Croydon’sresidents can realise thesebenefits to the full.”

Council leader Mr Newmanadded: “Croydon is on the brinkof Olympic-scale transformation,and just 15 minutes away bytrain, Gatwick can make aimportant contribution to theregeneration and investmentalready under way here.

“A second runway wouldcreate thousands of new jobs,boost businesses includingC royd o n’s growing tech city, andsee further investment in thetransport network.”

■ For more details on the plans,visit gatwickobviously.com

UNDERSTANDING: Gatwickchief executive Stewart Wingate

CROYDON’S major developersand investors have thrown theirweight behind a second runwayfor Gatwick Airport.

The Develop Croydon Forumhas written to the AirportsCommission backing theproposals which, it says, wouldencourage long-termconfidence both in the boroughand across the region.

In the letter, forum chairmanRichard Plant wrote:“Unprecedented investmentmeans Croydon is on the brinkof an Olympic-scaletransformation bringing tens ofthousands of new homes, a£1billion retail and leisure facilityand vast employmentopportunities to a town in realneed of regeneration.

“Maximising its position onthe growth corridor linkingLondon with Brighton, Croydon

has the potential to become aModern European City – asBoris Johnson calls it the ‘t h i rdgreat City of London’ .

“The Develop Croydon Forumviews the proposal for a secondrunway at Gatwick Airport asfundamental to theseaspirations.

“An expanded Gatwick wouldbring unprecedented economicbenefits not just to Croydon, butto the south London corridor asa whole.

“A recent YouGov pollshowed that Croydon residentsare overwhelmingly in favour ofa second runway at Gatwick, instark contrast to those a similardistance away from Heathrow.

“The forum believes anexpanded Gatwick wouldencourage long-termconfidence and investment forC ro y d o n . ”

POSITIVE : Theexpansion ofGatwick Airportwould have bigimpact in town

4 Advertiser, F r i d a y, M a rc h 13, 2015 CCR-EO1-S3 c ro y d o n a d v e r t i s e r .co.uk

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Assurances aregiven on storecentre backing‘Deal is imminent with John Lewis’

JOHN Lewis hasreached preliminaryagreement withdevelopers Westfieldand Hammerson to

open a store in the proposed£1bn shopping centre inC royd o n .

News of the deal emerged atthe public inquiry into CroydonCouncil’s compulsory purchaseorder of the Whitgift Centre, tomake way for the shopping,leisure and residential complex.

John Burton, Westfield’sdirector of development, told theinquiry that John Lewis had“agreed the design and layout”for a five-storey outlet in thed eve l o p m e n t .

“The next step is to assurepeople that John Lewis isinterested, which it is already

stating publicly,” said MrBur ton.

Responding to suggestions thatthe developers are too reliant onthe “upmarket store” for overallviability, Mr Burton made itclear the store was already innegotiations withWestfield-Hammerson, which isworking with the council on thedevelopment under the CroydonPartnership banner.

Confir m

He said John Lewis haswritten to the inquiry inspector,John Griffiths, to confirm it islooking to occupy a 215,000-square feet retail space with aclick-and-collect zone and anadjacent 2,000-space car park.

Mr Burton said: “We haveagreed the design and the layout

of the possible store and I believewe will conclude a commercialdeal with John Lewis in the nextcouple of weeks, or months.”

Westfield and Hammerson’splans include knocking down theWhitgift Centre and replacing itwith 300 shops, 400-600 homes,new restaurants, a multi-screencinema and a bowling alley.

Jo Negrini, Croydon Council’sacting executive director forplace, said: “The scheme isdesigned to bring forward amajor new retail and leisuredevelopment, so from our pointof view everything is going wellon that.

“We ’re hoping with asuccessful CPO we can getmoving as soon as possible.”

Striking centrepiece will impress

AGREEMENT: John Lewis is keen to have a store within the proposed Westfield development

THE Piers Gough-designed One Lansdowne Roaddevelopment will form one of the most strikingarchitectural centrepieces of the new Croydon.

The landmark scheme by Guildhouse-RoseprideLLP, originally consented in 2012, has now beenrevised to exclude the hotel element.

Having been presented to Croydon Council’sstrategic planning committee last year, it will nowcome forward as a mixed-use scheme featuring180,000 sq ft (net) Grade A offices, 700 apartmentsand 300,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space.

Construction is expected to start in the earlypart of 2016 and accommodation will includestudio, one, two and, three bedroom apartments aswell as four triple height penthouses.

The first phase, the West Tower, will becompleted in 2018 with the main East Tower, thetallest residential tower consented in the UK,following 18 months later.

Situated directly opposite the Whitgift shoppingcentre, which will become the new Westfield andHammerson shopping and leisure complex, thesite is perfectly located on the proposed East/Westpedestrian link from East Croydon Station down tothe Old Town.

With the renowned Mr Gough, of CZWGArchitects, having designed the iconicdevelopment, it is certain to form an architecturalcentrepiece for the new Croydon.CENTRE: The One Lansdowne Road development

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PRIME offices in the centre ofCroydon are almost entirely letafter long-term leases weresigned by three majorc o m p a n i e s.

Insurance broker Arthur JGallagher, insurer Direct Lineand electrical heating unitsupplier Chromalox have alltaken more than 6,000sq ft atSchroder UK Property Fund’sAMP House.

It means that 95 per cent of the120,000sq ft building in DingwallRoad, Croydon, has been takenwith just 8,000sq ft still available.

Neil Meredith, head of UKbusiness space for Schroder UKProperty Fund, said: “Much ofthe demand we have seen at

AMP House has been driven by alack of prime officeaccommodation available in thea re a .

That demand has also beenreflected at neighbouringRenaissance, the first speculativeoffice for more than 20 yearswhen it was completed by MarkG l at m a n’s Abstract Securities inNovember 2013.

Renaissance was fully let wellunder a year after it opening itsdoors with The Board of thePension Protection Fund taking40,241sq ft of the Grade A ratedspace, legal and professionalservices organisation Parabistaking 37,125 and MottMacDonald 20,997 sq ft.

Abstract sold the developmentto M&G Real Estate threemonths ahead of completion buthave retained a marketing rolewith the new owners, M&G RealE s t at e.

Abstract’s DevelopmentDirector, ChristopherMcPherson, commented:“Renaissance has been a successstory for Croydon.

“We not only identified anopportunity at a time whereothers doubted the potential, butwe moved swiftly to invest and todeliver a great product which iscompletely in tune with occupiersentiment as evidenced by fullyletting 100,000 sq ft of officeswithin 10 months of completion.”

Prime offi ce space proves popular

CROYDON has beengiven a taste of anexciting future thanksto some of the publicrealm improvements in

the town.

Construction of a new bridgeat East Croydon Station wasaccompanied by the constructionof Lansdowne Walk, which cutsacross Stanhope and Schroders’Ruskin Square development site.

In the year since it wasopened, Platform – which wasdesigned by muf Architects – hasgained a reputation as a thrivingperformance and entertainmentspace which has captured theimagination of the community.

Weekly World Food Markets,family fun days, live Wimbledontennis on a big screen, crazy golfcourtesy of Turf Projects andChristmas Cheers, a special barset up for the festive period, havebeen just some of the activitiesdelivered on behalf of thedevelopers by local events andmarketing company WhiteL ab e l .

Possibilities for 2015 includeart exhibitions, a showcase oflocal performers, a sunsetcinema and a beach installation.

Jason Margrave, developmentdirector at Stanhope plc, said:“Platform has been a successsince it opened last May,becoming a destination in itsown right.

“With construction at RuskinSquare now under way, Platformwill give Croydon a taste of what

is to come from the new RuskinSquare development.

“We have a number of otherexciting plans in the pipelinethat those who live and work inCroydon and beyond will be ableto enjoy.”

Platform givestown a taste ofthe future withgreat activities

FESTIVE CHEER: The Christmas pop-up bar proved popular

SERVING UP A TREAT: The live Wimbledon tennis feed drew crowds

TASTY TREATS:The World Food

Market takes placeevery Thursday

6 Advertiser, F r i d a y, M a rc h 13, 2015 CCR-EO1-S3 c ro y d o n a d v e r t i s e r .co.uk

THEF RUM

Impressive projects altering1. EDRIDGE ROAD

■ Developer: Sloane InternationalG ro u p■ Planning: A p p ro v e d

2. VERTEX

■ Developer: Durkan■ Planning: On siteThis landmark building in the heart of thetown centre will provide 98 new one, twoand three-bedroom apartments. ZestLiving will keep 59 of the new homeswithin its private rental sector (PRS)portfolio.

3. GREEN DRAGON HOUSE

■ Developer: Inspired AssetManagement■ Planning: On site

4. TABERNER HOUSE

■ Developer: C C U RV■ Planning: A p p ro v e dC C U RV ’s redevelopment is one ofC ro y d o n ’s significant regenerationschemes. Comprising 420 units overfour buildings, it will provide a mix oftenures including 30 per cent affordablehousing plus an enhanced QueensGardens. Essential Living has agreed toforward purchase the 32-storey towercontaining 230 new homes designed forthe private rental market. The scheme isthe first public/private partnershipincorporating a PRS component to besigned in the UK.

5. ST GEORGE’S HOUSE

■ Developer: Legal & General■ Planning: A p p ro v e dSt George’s House has planning consentto convert the existing office space intotwo striking residential buildings. Thehigh quality redesign and refurbishmentincorporates 265 private residentialapartments, 23 affordable apartmentsand underground car parking, as well asamenity and retail space.

6. COLLEGE GREEN

■ Developer: London Borough ofC ro y d o n■ Planning: PipelineCentral to the Fair Field Masterplan andthe regeneration of central Croydon, thismixed use scheme has capacity forsignificant numbers of residential unitsalongside new cultural and employmentspace. The site includes the famousFairfield Halls, which will undergo anextensive refurbishment.

7. COLLEGE ROAD

■ Developer: Croydon College &Phoenix Logistics■ Planning: Pipeline

8. 101 GEORGE STREET

■ Developer: Fairfield Ltd■ Planning: PipelineArchitects PRP’s innovative design for101 George Street features two angledwings of residential accommodationlinked at ground floor level to create anelegant gateway to the FairfieldMasterplan.

9. ST ANNE HOUSE

■ Developer: Bravo Hotel Group■ Planning: A p p ro v e d

10. RUSKIN SQUARE

■ Developer: Croydon Gateway Limited

Partnership (Stanhope Plc andS c h ro d e r s )■ Planning: On siteSituated in the heart of Croydon, RuskinSquare is an exciting new business,residential and leisure quarter. The firstphase of residential, delivered inpartnership with Places for People, isdue for completion in 2016, whileconstruction of the first of the fivecommercial buildings begins in quartertwo this year.

11. ROYAL MAIL SITE

■ Developer: Royal Mail Estates■ Planning: A p p ro v e d

12. MORELLO OFFICES

■ Developer: Menta■ Planning: A p p ro v e d

13. MORELLO TOWER

■ Developer: Menta■ Planning: On siteMorello is a mixed-use scheme byMenta which includes a landmark55-storey residential tower. The towercreates a ‘vertical street’ comprising 424residential units, ground and first-floorretail spaces and communal amenityspaces. A 17-storey four star boutiquehotel sits next to the tower which will

become a commercial and communityhub.

14. CHERRY ORCHARD GARDENS

■ Developer: Menta■ Planning: On siteMenta has secured planning consent fora mixed tenure development of 71residential units and a communitycentre, public square and shops onCherry Orchard Road. A mix of townhouses and apartments – p re d o m i n a n t l yfocused at the affordable end of themarket – will complement the statione n v i ro n m e n t .

15. MORELLO

■ Developer: Menta Redrow Ltd■ Planning: On siteMenta Redrow has just launched thethird stage of its £168 million showcaseMorello development which will turn alargely derelict site next to East CroydonStation into a vibrant, sustainable newcommunity. The project will deliver 900one, two and three bedroom homes, ahotel, apartments, a gym, coffee shopsand cafes.

16. QUEST HOUSE

■ Developer: Family Mosaic■ Planning: On site

17. ONE LANSDOWNE ROAD

■ Developer: Guildhouse RoseprideLLP■ Planning: A p p ro v e dA landmark 55-storey tower wasdesigned by Piers Gough CBE, of CZWGArchitects. Planning consent is in placefor 397 residential apartments, a217-bed hotel and 180,000 sq ft of officespace. Pre-application discussions areongoing to replace the hotel elementwith a second, 35-storey residentialtower. The main tower element of thescheme will be one of the tallestresidential buildings in the UK at a heightof 200m.

18. CANTERBURY HOUSE

■ Developer: Criterion Capital■ Planning: On SiteThis 79,385 sq ft PRS scheme willdeliver 110 residential one and twobedroom apartments. It is due to becompleted by December 2015.

19. CYGNET HOUSE

■ Developer: AA Homes and Housing■ Planning: On SiteCygnet House is a fine example of an“office to resi” conversion which willcomprise 51 flats with potential for afurther 21 units.

20. 8 BEDFORD PARK

■ Developer: M & G Real Estate■ Planning: Pipeline

21. 5 BEDFORD PARK

■ Developer: Criterion Capital■ Planning: On SiteThis 56,816 sq ft scheme will deliver 91PRS one and two bedroom apartments.The scheme is on site and is due to becompleted by February 2016.

22. HALLAM HOUSE

■ Developer: The Oakwood Group &Amicus Horizon■ Planning: On SiteThe Oakwood Group bought this formerwarehouse and office building with thebenefit of detailed planning permissionfor 16 houses and 43 apartments. Theadjoining site was purchased on aconditional basis and planningpermission was secured for a further 21apartments.

The Oakwood Group entered into alump sum design and build contract withAmicus Horizon to deliver theconstruction under a package dealarrangement. Seventeen of theresidential apartments are beingdelivered for shared ownership, with therest for affordable rent.

THEF RUM

AS THE pace of development in Croydonbecomes more rapid, here’s a reminder of whatis happening, and what has already progressedsince our previous publication in September...

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the face of our town forever

23. ISLAND

■ Developer: Regency Homes■ Planning: On site

24. NORTH WELLESLEYR EG E N E RAT I O N

■ Developer: Blackland Capital & TheHyde Group■ Planning: PipelineBlackland Capital and Hyde Group areworking on the North WellesleyRegeneration. Covering 2.5 hectares,this scheme will provide a significanthousing contribution to the CroydonOpportunity Area.

25. SAFFRON SQUARE

■ Developer: Berkeley Homes■ Planning: On siteBerkeley Homes is building ahigh-quality mixed use development of791 new homes incorporating an iconic43-storey tower. Saffron Square isdesigned around a one-acre publicsquare complete with water features andoverlooked by a residents’ gym,business lounge, 24-hour concierge anda selection of shops and cafes.

26. DELTA POINT

■ Developer: Criterion Capital■ Planning: On Site

This consented scheme will deliver 404PRS one and two bedroom apartments.This 367,630 sq ft development iscurrently on site and it is expected to becompleted by March 2016.

27. ST MICHAEL’S SQUARE

■ Developer: Barratt London■ Planning: Pipeline

28. WHITGIFT CENTRE

■ Developer: The Croydon Partnership■ Planning: A p p ro v e dThe London Borough of Croydon andMayor of London granted planningpermission for the Croydon Partnership’s£1bn-plus scheme for Croydon towncentre, creating a state-of-the-art retailand leisure destination. This includesmore than 2m sq ft of prime retail, leisureand dining space, public realm,improved car parking facilities and up to600 new residential units.

29. 2 DINGWALL AVENUE, 9/11WELLESLEY ROAD & MERIDIANHOUSE

■ Developer: Albemarle LLP■ Planning: Pipeline

30. NEW SOUTH QUARTER

■ Developer: Barratt London■ Planning: On siteBarratt London’s New South Quarteroffers 923 studio, one, two andthree-bedroom apartments adjacent tothe historic 21-acre Wandle Park.Excellent transport links via Wandle Parktram stop offer services into East andWest Croydon in less than 10 minutes.

31. CANE HILL, COULSDON

■ Developer: Barratt Homes■ Planning: A p p ro v e dBarratt and Ward Homes are finalisingplans for the redevelopment of theformer Cane Hill Hospital site inCoulsdon. The development will consistof up to 675 new homes, 163 of whichwill be affordable, ranging fromone-bedroom apartments tofive-bedroom houses.

32. 447 BRIGHTON ROAD

■ Developer: Delta Homes Ltd (Wandle)■ Planning: On siteThis contemporary, mixed-tenurescheme will provide two, three and fourbedroom homes. The development islocated within a highly sought-aftergrowth area, close to parks, amenitiesand a two-minute walk from a mainlinestation.

33. MID-CROYDON MASTERPLAN

■ Developer: Multiple owners■ Planning: Pipeline

34. EXCHANGE SQUARE

■ Developer: Multiple owners■ Planning: Pipeline

35. IMPACT HOUSE

■ Developer: Tricos Group■ Planning: Completed

36. BERNARD WEATHERILL HOUSE

■ Developer: C C U RV■ Planning: CompletedC C U RV ’s cornerstone project, a 240,000sq ft BREEAM-excellent office building isdesigned to house Croydon Council anda range of local service providers.CCURV achieved practical completion inMay 2013, and council staff moved induring September 2014.

37. 96 GEORGE STREET

■ Developer: F re s h w a t e r■ Planning: PipelineA proposed new major development of96 George Street and adjoining land willprovide up to 100,000 sq ft of newo ff i c e s .

38. RENAISSANCE

■ Developer: M&G Real Estate■ Planning: Completed

39. INTERCHANGE

■ Developer: Canmoor & CarValInvestors■ Planning: CompletedA new 180,000 sq ft Grade A officebuilding close to West and East Croydonstations and the Whitgift Centre. Itprovides exceptional quality and value,with 18,000 sq ft flexible floor plates, avibrant three-storey atrium and 400secure parking spaces.

40. 5 SYDENHAM ROAD

■ Developer: AA Homes and Housing■ Planning: On siteThe 63-unit office-to-resi developmentby AA Homes and Housing has excellenttransport links and is a three-minutewalk to the shopping complex. The 51flats will be based on contemporarydesign catering for a modern lifestyle.

41. CAROLYN HOUSE

■ Developer: Arcus/LaSalle Investment■ Planning: Pipeline

42. EXCHANGE COURT

■ Developer: AA Homes and Housing■ Planning: A p p ro v e dThis modern red-bricked building inCentral Croydon lends itself to anoffice-to-resi conversion with 121 flatsbased on contemporary design for easeof living and potential for a further 15units.

43. ADDISCOMBE GROVE

■ Developer: The Oakwood Group■ Planning: PipelineA residential led mixed-usedevelopment, comprising around 70residential apartments and flexiblecommercial space at ground floor level.

44. LEON HOUSE

■ Developer: In administration■ Planning: Pipeline

45. EMERALD HOUSE

■ Developer: Dartmouth Capital■ Planning: Pipeline

46. DERBY ROAD

■ Developer: Purespace Capital■ Planning: Pipeline

47. MILTON HOUSE

■ Developer: The Oakwood Group■ Planning: PipelineThis site, comprising of a collection ofdilapidated warehouses and officeaccommodation, is under discussionwith the local planning authority for ascheme of 70 residential units, 12live/work units and 15,000 sq ft ofc o m m e rc i a l .

48. SUNLEY HOUSE

■ Developer: LaSalle Investment■ Planning: Pipeline

49. CAIRO NEW ROAD

■ Developer: Cairo Properties Limited■ Planning: PipelineThe proposed residential scheme, whichcurrently incorporates a 25-storey tower,is situated at the strategic gateway tothe historic Old Town of Croydon.

8 Advertiser, F r i d a y, M a rc h 13, 2015 CCR-EO1-S3 c ro y d o n a d v e r t i s e r .co.uk

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Joint ventures vital to providenew homes across the boroughC h u rc h housing association tea m s up with Orbit in key property partnership

AJOINT venture has

helped CroydonChurches HousingAssociation to createmuch-needed homes in

the borough.

The Scholars Courtdevelopment, in Tavistock Road,near West Croydon Station, is atwo-block new-build comprising23 flats for affordable rent and 12flats for shared ownership.

CCHA chief executive TracyCullen believes the development,delivered as part of the GLA’s2011-15 Affordable Housing

Programme, is a great exampleof collaborative working.

“We are committed to growththrough new development and inOrbit Homes we have found apartner which understands ourneeds and that of our futurere s i d e n t s, ” she said.

“Housing needs in Croydonand neighbouring boroughs willsee the benefit of joint venturessuch as these.

“This is a time to embracepartnership working in order todeliver the best possible results.”

The partnership has alsodeveloped 15 affordable rentedhomes behind Purley Town Halland nine affordable rentedhouses around a centralcourtyard at Old Dairy Court, offSouth End.

The final scheme beingdelivered under the 2011-15programme is 16 affordablerented homes in Brighton Road,called Phyllis Baugh Court, inhonour of CCHA’s president, whohas been involved with theassociation since the 1970s.

Manag es

CCHA started in 1967, buyingproperty and converting it totackle homelessness in Croydon,and owns and manages almost1,500 homes, while still aiming todeliver excellent homes andservices to its communities.

“We pride ourselves in being alocal community housingassociation but we area m b i t i o u s, ” added Mrs Cullen.

“While we recognise that therecan be limitations on exactly

how much an association of oursize can do to impact thecommunities in which we work,we are resourceful and use ourexcellent reputation to developexisting partnerships and to

forge positive new ones.”

CCHA is forging a newrelationship to deliver homeswith Thames Valley HousingA s s o c i at i o n .

NEW HOMES: Scholars Court in Tavistock Road, West Croydon

Private rent units to be releasedHUNDREDS of private rentalhomes will be delivered inCroydon this year as assetmanagement company CriterionCapital prepares to deliver arecord number of units.

Work is under way acrosspermitted development schemesto convert office buildings atDelta House, Canterbury Houseand Bedford Park intoresidential developmentsoffering one, two and three-bedapartments for private rent.

These schemes will accountfor 584 units, which will becreated under the Miflat brandover the next 16 months.

Iain Murray, director of PRS atCriterion Capital, said: “Whilelast year was about planning andpreparation, this year is aboutconstruction and delivery.

“Now that work is under wayacross our first developments,we are working to ensure that wewill offer management servicesfor when our first tenants movein later this year.”

Criterion Capital recentlyappointed Longcross to deliverthe schemes, with work havingstarted at Bedford House.

Paul Thomas, London office

Croydon will become major base

COLLABORATION TIME: CCHAchief executive Tracy Cullen

director for Longcross, said:“This significant awardreinforces our visibility in thecapital, establishes us as a leadprovider in the PRS market andconsolidates our securedworkload for the next financialye a r. ’’

Delta Point, the iconic 28,500sq m BT office building incentral Croydon, which featuredin the Batman Returnsblockbuster, will be convertedinto 404 apartments, along withancillary facilities in thebasement areas and theoverhauling of the existingfacades and roof.

Last year, Criterionannounced a major strategicpush into the private rentedsector with funding fromBarclays, HSBC and RBS.

THE boss of property servicesgiant Jones Lang LaSalle says heexpects Croydon to become oneof the capital’s major officed i s t r i c t s.

With little office space to befound in central London andprices at a record high, JLL’s UKchief executive Guy Graingerlisted the south London townalong with other emerging areaslike Stratford and Silvertown asthe place to watch.

“There is some really

interesting place-making comingthrough outside of the core,which is really exciting,” MrGrainger said.

“With Crossrail, you will seecore London and the officedistrict spreading out.”

Listed

Mr Grainger’s firm is involvedin everything from advisingfashion retail giant Superdry toacting for the developers ofBattersea Power Station.

He has also spoken of hisconfidence for the future ofL o n d o n’s luxury market.

He added: “There is such anundersupply that we look quitelong-term on residential inLondon.

“We knew that the percentagegrowth we have had over the lastfew years was definitely notsustainable. But in terms of thelong-term investment, the sectoris looking robust.”

NEW APARTMENTS: The visionfor Delta Point

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Section of newcouncil HQ tobe rented outWill generate vital funds for borough

BRAND new premiumoffice space in CroydonCouncil’s new HQ hasbeen put on the marketto let.

Part of Bernard WeatherillHouse, which won a nationalaward for its outstanding design,is being offered to the market bysole agents Sinclair Clark as thelocal authority looks to use thefacility, which opened last year,to generate much-needed funds.

The move is expected to meetthe demand of businesseslooking to move to the town,which is the subject of hugeinvestment by developersWestfield and Hammerson,following the success ofAbstract’s Renaissance scheme -where a similar amount of brandnew Grade-A space was fullyoccupied within months of thedevelopment being completed.

Discussions

Vanessa Clark, director ofSinclair Clark, said: “C royd o nCouncil recently helddiscussions to look at theiroccupation of BernardWeatherill House.

“By concentrating what theyare doing in a tighter-knit areathan they occupy at the moment,they are making available somereally fantastic space.

“Bernard Weatherill House isthe only new build GradeA-specified offices in Croydon

apart from Renaissance, which iswas fully let within ten monthsof completion.”

Vanessa revealed the premiseswill appeal to central Londonoccupiers looking for a morecost-effective option, whichmakes sense both commerciallyand politically.

“This will fill a gap in themarket and we have already hadenquiries about it,” she added.

“It’s a BREEAM Excellentbuilding with large floor plates.It is incredibly well laid out,spacious, light and it is in theheart of town.

“It will give an occupier the

London-natured space they wantto occupy.

“The current counciladministration weren’t involvedin the original decision to buildBernard Weatherill House and,at a time when everyone has totighten their belts, they feel thisis a way of getting some revenueinto the public purse.

“That has to be well receivedby taxpayers in the borough.”

■ Bernard Weatherill House,which was designed by EPRArchitects, won the award forbest office architecture inLondon at the UK PropertyAw a rd s.

MARKET GAP: Vanessa Clark from agents Sinclair Clark

MODERN SPACE: Bernard Weatherill House has the potential to fill a gap in the market

Property is outperforming marketA HAT-TRICK of factors isallowing Croydon’s propertysector to outperform the marketas a whole, according toprofessional services firm StilesHarold Williams.

It says the ‘w i n - w i n - w i n’ ef fect,backed by the rising of London’smarket, has been led by the‘Westfield Effect’ from £1billionredevelopment plans forC royd o n’s retail centre, plus theknock-on impacts of permitteddevelopment, which allowsunusued office space to beconverted into affordablehousing.

Richard Plant, partner andhead of the SHW’s Croydonoffice, said: “These are excitingtimes for Croydon – we areheading for a period ofsignificant economic growth.

“The number of cranes on theskyline along with the calibreand scale of the projects istestament to that.”

The company says permitteddevelopment has reduced thesupply of available office spaceand helped to raise commercial

rents, with more than 1m sq ft ofoffice space having been sold forresidential conversion.

In addition, demand in theoffice market is strong, withtotal take up in 2014 of 212,000 sqft, which is the highest levelsince 2007.

As a result, there is anupwards pressure on rentallevels, as seen by the recentletting of 24,300 sq ft of newlyrefurbished accommodation atCitylink opposite East CroydonStation at £21.50 per sq ft, whichwill encourage further newd eve l o p m e n t s.

This includes the start ofconstruction in April of the firstbuilding at Schroders andStanhope’s scheme at RuskinSquare, which will create 180,000sq ft of office space adjacent toEast Croydon Station.

“This is fantastic news for thet ow n , ” said Mr Plant.

“In turn, the conversion ofapproximately 14 sitescomprising approximately 1,350units means there will be lots ofaffordable new housing to buy orlet for workers in the new andexisting businesses drawn to theb o ro u g h . ”

WIN-WIN: Richard Plant seeseconomic growth ahead for town

10 Advertiser, F r i d a y, M a rc h 13, 2015 CCR-EO1-S3 c ro y d o n a d v e r t i s e r .co.uk

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THROUGH its streamlinedapproach to planning, CroydonCouncil has been held up as anexample for others to follow.

Several prominent developersin the borough have hailed theb o ro u g h ’s processes in recentyears as its planners’pragmatism has helped to unlocksites and bring ambitiousschemes to fruition.

That approach led not only tothe borough being hailed as an‘examplar’ in Sir Terry Farrell’sinvestigation into planningprocesses, but also earned thetitle of planning authority of theyear at the inaugural MIPIM UKAwards, held in association withEstates Gazette, at London’sO ly m p i a .

Croydon Council’s head ofplanning, Mike Kiely, said: “Inour view, planning should bepositive and proactive. Croydonhas developed a radicallypragmatic and place-basedapproach to planning.”

Culture is at core ofvision for the town

Co l l e g e Green proposals to be showcased at event

CREATING a culturalheartbeat for the centreof Croydon forms a keyplank of a vision for thet ow n’s future.

Croydon Council will be usingthis year’s MIPIM to showcaseits College Green proposals, as itlooks to bring forwarddevelopment opportunities in anarea with the iconic FairfieldHalls at its core.

Around £30million is beingcommitted to restoring FairfieldHalls to its former glories, whilethe redevelopment of College

Green will connect East CroydonStation with Queen’s Gardens,the Clock Tower complex, SurreyStreet market and ExchangeS q u a re.

Restaur ants

The scheme will also includeup to 500 homes along withshops, restaurants and possibleeducation and business use.

Council leader Tony Newmansaid: “Along with our partnersthrough Croydon’s culturalpartnership, we have developed astrategy to enhance the existing

cultural offer and establishCroydon as a significant culturald e s t i n at i o n .

“Concentrated culturalactivities housed within historicbuildings, attractive open spacealong with restaurants, cafes,bars and shops, is a way ofreinforcing Croydon’s popularappeal, balancing commercialand architectural progress withentertainment and publicpar ticipation.”

The College Greentransformation will dovetailwith the £55million College Road

Tower scheme which, as well asproviding a 225-bedroom hotel,homes and leisure facilities in a37-storey tower designed byDarling Associates, will providea landscaped floor levelpedestrian link between EastCroydon Station and CollegeG re e n .

Councillor Timothy Godfrey,cabinet member for culture,leisure and sport, said: “H av i n ga vibrant cultural quarter canspearhead the widerregeneration and economicdevelopment of the town centre.”

HOTEL AND HOMES: TheCollege Road tower

‘Council isexe m p l a r y ’

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Centre oftown getst h o ro u g hm a ke ove rin projectConnected Croydon work under way

AHUGE programme of

improvement works isbeing carried out aspart of the townc e n t re ’s regeneration.

Work on the ConnectedCroydon programme is takingplace throughout theMetropolitan Centre to improvestreets, squares, open spaces andthe areas around the transporthubs after the council secured£50million of funding, including£23million from the Mayor ofL o n d o n’s Regeneration Fund.

The council has pledgedsupport for smaller businessesin the borough by modernisinghigh streets and upgradingpavements, shop fronts andbuildings in South End, Old

Town and London Road.

A four-week programme toimprove paving and repairdrains in North End has alsojust been completed.

O ve r h a u l

Meanwhile, an overhaul tomake the area around EastCroydon Station – and fromGeorge Street to Wellesley Road– more accessible is under way,with the improvementsscheduled to be completed beforethe end of the year.

West Croydon Bus Station,which serves 150 buses an hourand eight million passengers ayear, is currently closed forredevelopment and will reopenin 2016.

Longer-term plans include thecompletion of the footbridge atEast Croydon Station, so that itwill provide a walkway from thetown centre through toA d d i s c o m b e.

Meanwhile, Network Railintends to create two newplatforms at East Croydon aswell as making improvements tojunctions at Windmill Bridge, inSelhurst, to reduce bottleneckson the line.

Transport for London andCroydon Council are consultingon road changes to ease thebottleneck at Fiveways – eitherthrough construction of a newflyover or by widening EpsomRoad – and plan to begin work in2018.

Council guiding Taberner projectTABERNER House, the formerCroydon Council building, hasnow virtually disappeared – bu tthe local authority is having amajor say in the housingdevelopment which will take itsp l a c e.

Plans have been revised sincethe Labour group took control ofthe council, to ensure anincrease in the amount ofaffordable housing as well asgreater protection of Queen’sG a rd e n s.

A total of 420 homes,comprising four blocks, will bebuilt on the site, with 30 per centaffordable housing – up from 15per cent under the originalproposals, which also includedan extra block.

There will be a range oftenures including affordablerent, shared ownership andprivate for sale units. Thecouncil will keep the affordablehomes as council homes.

A key part of the new schemeis reducing the encroachment ofthe development on Queen’sGardens, which will increase the

amount of open space by morethan 1,000 sq m.

In addition, the changesinclude an increase in thenumber of disabled parkings p a c e s.

The first phase of the schemeis set to begin this month withwork starting on theconstruction of a 32-storey tower,delivering 230 homes.

The remaining 190 homes inthe second phase will be ownedby the council, which will retain30 per cent as affordable councilhomes and sell the remainder.

Councillor Alison Butler,cabinet member for homes andregeneration, said: “H av i n gownership of the second phase ofdevelopment gives the councilgreater control over the schemethan under the previous plans.

“We ’re pleased the revisedplans will include moreaffordable housing – a majorpriority for this administration –and protect Queen’s Gardensfrom over-development.”

BIG PLANS: Alison Butler saysthe council is in control

BULLDOZED: Taberner House inthe process of being demolished

TRANSPORT HUB: The vision for the future of East Croydon Station, which will be made more accessible to and from all parts of the town

12 Advertiser, F r i d a y, M a rc h 13, 2015 CCR-EO1-S3 c ro y d o n a d v e r t i s e r .co.uk

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HELPING to promote Croydonw a s n’t the only big effort theb o ro u g h ’s lead investmentexecutive Matthew McMillan putin at MIPIM this week.

Mr McMillan made the1,500km journey to Cannes, inthe south of France, by bicycle aspart of a charity push to raisethousands of pounds fordedicated children’s charityCoram.

He was one of 100

participating cyclists fromacross the UK property industrywho took part in the gruellingsix-day ride.

His participation was praisedby Develop Croydon Forumchairman Richard Plant, whosaid: “Matthew has showntremendous dedication andcommitment.

“Develop Croydon is delightedto sponsor Matt. It is a very longway for a very good cause and he

THE Develop CroydonForum is once againdelivering a wide rangeof events during 2015, tomeet its goals of

promoting Croydon as a locationto invest, work and live.

The forum is a not-for-profitcommunity interest company,made up of 60-plus businesses,partners, agencies andindividuals from the private,public and third sectors whowish to contribute to theregeneration and economicrenewal of the borough.

An independent board, whichis chaired by Richard Plant,partner of Stiles HaroldWilliams, oversees the direction,activities and finances of theforum, while a series of eventsare held throughout the year.

The forum is committed toproviding investors with theopportunity to visit Croydon,hear about the excitinginvestment opportunities andsee firsthand the scale ofdevelopment schemes which arealready under way.

Events coming up this yeari n cl u d e :

■ MAY 12: VIP half-day tourof Croydon

A comprehensive guided tourof Croydon’s regeneration andinvestment opportunities. Guestswill be taken on a walking tour,exclusive tram and coach tripwith an opportunity to networkover lunch with Croydon’s keys t a ke h o l d e r s

■ JUNE 11: Develop CroydonLondon Drinks Reception

Enjoy beautiful views over StPa u l ’s Cathedral from the SkyBar at the Grange St Paul’sHotel, a dazzling rooftop venue,while networking with

C royd o n’s key stakeholders overa glass of fizz and canapés.

■ SEPTEMBER 17-18: Croydonat the RESI Conference, CelticManor, Newport, Wales

Develop Croydon is exhibitingagain at RESI 2015 as influentialdecision-makers meet at theUK’s premier proper tyc o n f e re n c e.

■ OCTOBER 21-23 Croydon atMIPIM UK, Olympia, London

Develop Croydon will beshowcasing the regenerationschemes and public realmimprovements that are underway at the second MIPIM UKeve n t .

■ NOVEMBER: DevelopCroydon Conference

Now in its sixth year, thisone-day conference will debateC royd o n’s growth plan.

■ To register your interest callYolande Carpenter or JamesClark on 020 8726 7968 or e-maily.car penter@developcroydon.com orj . cl a rk @ d eve l o p c royd o n . c o m

Forum to presentrange of events topromote the town

WALKABOUT: The VIP tourshave proved popular

is leading by example andshowing real commitment toC royd o n . ”

The epic journey started inLondon and took in Calais,Reims, Dijon, Valence andAix-en-Provence before arrivingin Cannes in time for MIPIM.

Croydon Council, SinclairClark, the Croydon Partnership,ING Media and Stanhope &Schroders also supportedM at t h ew ’s efforts.

M a tt h ew ’s charity cycle to Ca n n es

HE CANNES DO IT! KatharineGlass, Matthew McMillan, and

Richard Plant celebrate Matthewcompleting his bike ride from

Croydon to Cannes