Fairfield’s redevelopment plans to go forward

Fairfield halls. Pic: Jim Linwood (Creative Commons)

Fairfield halls. Pic: Jim Linwood (Creative Commons)

Plans to redevelop Croydon’s cultural quarter were given the green light at the council’s planning committee on Thursday despite resident concerns (February 23).

Campaign group Save Our Fairfield has claimed that during the planning meeting, they received only five minutes of objection time for those opposed to the redevelopment, with the number objections amounting to over 300.

As an integral part of Croydon’s £5.25bn regeneration scheme, the plan includes creating more public space, a 2000 metre square art gallery, new homes as well as retail and office space.

Thursday’s planning committee accepted proposals for the first major regeneration phase that includes demolition work of a multi-story car park to allow room for 218 new affordable homes.

Members also approved the detail of the award-winning design for the new Fairfield Halls, where an extensive programme of works to strip out and prepare the building for construction has been underway since last summer.

Councillor Alison Butler, cabinet member for homes, regeneration and planning, said: “I’m absolutely delighted this project has been approved. College Green is a hugely symbolic project for Croydon and crucial to the borough’s overall regeneration and growth ambitions.

“The proposal will revitalise an under-used and tired area, turning it into a vibrant public space and reconnecting it with the rest of the town centre.

“It will also supply much-needed new homes and jobs as well as fantastic arts, leisure and educational facilities. It’s fantastic news for everyone in Croydon.”

Croydon Council’s development company, Brick by Brick, is currently on site, with the refurbishment set to reach completion in 2018.

 

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