Many of Croydon’s buildings have undergone a change of use but what happens to those buildings in the meantime?
The impressive Electric House, previously used by the Home Office, is among premises being maintained by Global Guardians while it awaits redevelopment.
The organisation, a Develop Croydon Forum member, secures vacant properties by placing working professionals in a living space on a short-term licensing agreement.
“Having guardians in a vacant building creates a sense of community and it gives it a sense of life, rather than having buildings boarded up which is not very pleasant to look at,” said Global Guardians marketing manager Andy Stanton. “Having people in there prevents anti-social behaviour and squatting.”
Global Guardians say that as well as benefiting the local community, allowing local people to use their buildings as a temporary home is far more cost-effective than using a security company.
Councillor Toni Letts, Croydon Council’s cabinet member for the economy and jobs, said: “Electric House is a unique building in Croydon and the guardians are keeping it alive.”