“Seismic and catalytic” changes in the last year have begun to transform Croydon into a more “cool” and “exciting” place.
At the Develop Croydon Conference, Jo Negrini, executive director of place for London Borough of Croydon, explained that major change was arising from money, such as the £50 million public realm funding, being “pumped” into the town and the Westfield-Hammerson retail development CPO moving forward.
Ruskin Square, she said, was “seismic and catalytic” – thanks to commercial anchor tenants and the Tax Office’s interest in locating there – in making sure Croydon was a place where people worked and lived, rather than a dormitory town.
Seismic change: Croydon Council’s executive director for place Jo Negrini
“It doesn’t feel we are in the same place as 12 months ago,” Ms Negrini said. “People are no longer seeing Croydon as anything but a sensible place to invest. People are constantly asking ‘what’s your vision?”
“In the 1960s and 1970s, Croydon was a cool place. It was a place people wanted to be. We want to get Croydon to that kind of place again.
“We are moving from a centre that was catering for the fast car, a place where people were coming from all over, to a place that is a lot more accessible, more human in a way.
Culture capital: Jo Negrini wants to make Croydon more accessible
“We want it to be a place that excites people and is human at a ground floor level.”
The Fairfield redevelopment and brand new Croydon College building were hailed as examples of cultural and educational progress.
Boxpark, Tech Leaders Capital, RISE Gallery and plans for a rooftop cinema were signs that the “top-down” and “bottom-up stuff” were meeting together.
PHOTOS BY IAN STRATTON – Photography365.com