Develop Croydon was formed in 2010 with the goal of challenging and changing perceptions of Croydon in a bid to attract much-needed inward investment to the borough.
A quick look at the skyline or walk around the streets will tell you that not only is that not only are new developments and public realm improvements enhancing the town, the mood has changed.
Croydon is viewed in a very different light in 2010. Barely a week goes by without a national publication of one kind or another highlighting the change that has, and is, taking place.
That means Develop Croydon is moving into a different phase. As a group of independent organisations, the members of Develop Croydon, all major stakeholders in the town, can still make a huge difference by continuing to collaborate.
As the new developments are brought forward they still need to be filled with residents, with companies or with retailers. There are thousands of residential units and millions of square feet of commercial space that need to be filled.
And the change doesn’t stop there. By working with a common goal, Develop Croydon can make a big difference not just to the look but the feel of the place. By finding ways to support culture, community organisations and all of the nuts and bolts which will make Croydon a place where people choose to live, work or spend their leisure time.
Here are the thoughts of just three of our members as to how they see the future role of Develop Croydon…
NEIL MEREDITH
Head of UK Business Space, Schroders Real Estate Investment Management
Develop Croydon has been instrumental in the evolution of Croydon. It has led its transformation from a satellite town with excellent transport facilities to a destination for a vibrant community, where there is the environment for all to live, have fun and feel part of the changes taking place. The journey is well underway and the momentum needs to be maintained. Develop Croydon will, I am sure, play a critical role in this transformation.
RICHARD PLANT
Partner, Stiles Harold Williams
Develop Croydon has had huge success in terms of changing the perception of Croydon – the largest office letting in decades plus Boxpark and the tech revolution are testament to that – but there is still much further to go. We are moving into a new phase which is attracting the occupiers and making sure that the people who live in the new homes or work in the new offices have a good experience. With all of the companies that are coming here and people who are arriving to live here and we need to ensure that Croydon lives up to its promises – it is clear that Develop Croydon’s work has only just begun. Croydon has so much to offer and needs one co-ordinated voice to communicate that both inside Croydon but more importantly beyond.
STEVE YEWMAN
Development Director, Westfield
Croydon’s time is now. We have a £5.25billion investment pipeline over the next five years during which time the best in retail, dining, leisure, residential and offices will come to Croydon. It is important that all developers, investors and the council work together through a united Develop Croydon to bring forward the development plans and the essential infrastructure through the Growth Zone funding to establish Croydon as the capital of south London.