Croydon’s culture scene will be boosted with new plans to develop its events programme, rejuvenate its libraries and enhance its museum, alongside the £30million revamp of the Fairfield Halls.
With major festivals like Croydon International Mela, Pride and Dance Umbrella becoming fixtures on the borough’s cultural calendar, a Croydon Council cabinet report has outlined plans to keep up the momentum.
Croydon’s programme will continue to develop and include major projects around Fairfield Halls reopening, as well as animating public spaces and places with cultural activity from open-air theatre, live music and dance to street art and installations.
The council has also announced new plans to put the Museum of Croydon back on the map by applying for reaccreditation, which would give the museum increased access to funding and development opportunities.
The council is also planning for the future of Croydon’s 13 libraries, having taken action to protect the service earlier this year, bringing it back in house after the collapse of Carillion.
Meanwhile, Croydon Council’s £30million refurbishment of Fairfield Halls is progressing at pace with plans for a phased opening from the end of the year.
The council has been working in close partnership with the company that will run the new Fairfield Halls, BH Live, and Vinci, the contractors undertaking the works, to build on and improve the original plans from the design team, in particular to hospitality, bars, public spaces and kitchens, technical facilities and back of house.
“Fairfield Halls is very much at the heart of our new cultural programme, but it is only part of a much bigger picture. From the programme of events we are developing in venues and public spaces across the borough, to our plans to revitalise libraries in every part of the borough… We are laying the foundations for Croydon to continue evolving as a unique and vibrant cultural hub for London,” said Councillor Timothy Godfrey, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport.