Fairfield Hall, Croydon. Pic: Flickr

Fairfield Halls will close this summer for a £30m redevelopment following an agreement between the venue’s management board and Croydon Council.

The closure had previously been opposed by Fairfield Halls board members and staff who were in favour of refurbishment but argued a phased development, rather than full closure, would benefit the community.

The approved plan will see the venue close for two years on July 15 of this year.

Councillor Tony Newman was “delighted” about the agreement. He said: “Closing the venue is the best possible option; it will enable us to take this once-in-a-generation opportunity to totally transform Fairfield Halls into one of the most prestigious arts and entertainment venues in the country.”

The council had rejected the phased redevelopment proposed by Save Our Fairfield because “a faster redevelopment programme and the £4.8m saving achieved represents the best deal for Croydon residents.”

Nearly 7,000 people had signed Save Our Fairfield’s petition against full closure of the venue and over 200 people protested outside Fairfield Halls earlier this month.

Kate Vennell, Chair of Fairfield Halls, said although the board “preferred phasing to allow continuing programme and community access, we appreciate [the council’s] support for a managed closure.”

Vennell also said the Fairfield Halls team “has always welcomed the significant investment in Fairfield from the council.”
The construction plan promises an outdoor performance space built along with a new box office and a larger stage in the concert hall.