A topping out ceremony has been held to celebrate a key stage in the construction of the landmark Morello housing development at East Croydon.
The luxury scheme, which will transform the Addiscombe side of the town’s main transport hub into a vibrant, sustainable community, has been rapidly taking shape in recent months.
Aptly named after the stone fruit due to its location on Cherry Orchard Road, Morello is a joint initiative between regeneration specialists Menta and housebuilder Redrow, operating under the Menta Redrow banner.
Key dignitaries at the event included Craig Marks, chief executive of Menta who was joined by Keith Parrett, chief executive of Redrow Homes South East, Councillor Toni Letts from Croydon Council and Develop Croydon vice chair Katharine Glass who all gave speeches to recognise the highest point in the concrete frame of the Rainier building, at 20 floors the tallest phase in the first phase landmark collection.Mr Marks said:
“Menta has been at the forefront of forming a vision for the regenerated Croydon since our formation in 1990 and this a landmark moment not just for Morello but for bringing our vision which forms a key part of the East Croydon Masterplan to fruition.
“Morello is at the forefront of the exciting developments helping to transform Croydon’s fortunes and putting it back on the map as a desirable place to live.”
Mr Parrett added: “Morello brings much needed high-quality housing to the locality. The topping out ceremony marks a key stage in the build programme.
“With over 60 per cent of this first phase now sold, these stylish apartments are attracting interest from first-time buyers and young professionals, as well as investors looking for areas with potential for capital growth. Boasting a prime location in the town centre, right by East Croydon station, residents will benefit from fast, easy access into the capital.
“This dynamic building will be home to 112 one and two bedroom apartments, with many of the homes on the upper floors of this striking elevation enjoying views of famous London landmarks.
When complete, the first phase Morello development will offer 297 apartments spread across four dynamic buildings with more than half of the site dedicated to gardens, landscaping and public realm improvements, giving residents plentiful outside space to enjoy. Additionally Menta Redrow have funded the early delivery of over 30 new affordable homes at the adjacent Quest House in collaboration with Family Mosaic.
The development forms part of a wider £3billion regeneration scheme to revitalise the London Borough of Croydon, with Menta Redrow anticipating delivering over 800 new homes in total by 2020. Demolition work at the site began in February 2014 and the foundations for Rainier were laid in September 2014.
Councillor Letts, who performed the official topping out, said: “I remember this area when it was the Bank of America and I also remember meeting Craig many years ago and he had that glint in his eye when he talked about Menta and the possibilities of this site in Cherry Orchard Road.
"I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to be here today and see his and Redrow’s visions and his dreams come true. These buildings are going to become homes for people who want to buy, people who want shared ownership and people who want to rent they will be the most prestigious flats in Croydon.”
Morello will offer residents an array of onsite facilities including a residents’ gym, a concierge service and an underground car park. Attractive landscaped grounds also characterise the development with trees, benches, paths, and children’s play areas. Located just three minutes’ walk to East Croydon station, Morello is ideal for commuters with trains reaching London Victoria or London Bridge in 15 minutes.
The development aims to achieve Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes and has a low emissions strategy.