Creative talent appointed for College Green redesign

In a move that Croydon Borough Council claims is a further sign of the area’s cultural revival, the architects and lead consultants for the College Green revamp in the centre of the town have been selected.

Local consultancy Mott MacDonald will be working on the project, along with architects Rick Mather, who have previously been involved with work at the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith and the Royal Festival Hall in Central London.

Mott MacDonald have also designed innovative and modern theatres and creative spaces in the past, including the Sage Gateshead and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Jo Negrini, Croydon Council’s executive director of place, said: “We are delighted to have appointed Mott MacDonald who were selected because they offer a clear vision for the redevelopment of College Green.

“It is fantastic that they are also a Croydon-based company, and bring with them the knowledge and expertise of Rick Mather Architects.

“This represents an important step forward in the cultural regeneration and economic development of the town centre.”

The project aims to create a distinct cultural quarter in the centre of Croydon, and will incorporate the existing Fairfield Halls arts centre, which will be renovated as part of the scheme.

The end result should be a vibrant public space that provides direct access to East Croydon station, as well as a possible new entrance to Fairfield Halls from College Green on the Ashcroft side. There will also be a wide variety of shops, cafes, homes and local businesses around the green.

Paul Bates, Mott MacDonald’s divisional director, said the redevelopment was of “huge significance” for the local area, and added: “We also look forward to helping reinstate the Fairfield Halls as one of the most prestigious venues in the country for entertainment and the performing arts.”
The next step in the redevelopment of this part of Croydon is to submit a detailed application for planning permission, which is expected to take place in autumn this year.

Published 16th April, 2015

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