Selhurst: A strong suburban development with community spirit

Selhurst is a suburban development located in the London borough of Croydon and is known for its  inexpensive properties and laid-back lifestyle.

It is a relatively small district and is in close proximity to slightly bigger and more popular areas of the city, such as South Norwood and Thornton Heath.

In fact, many parts of Selhurst are within walking distance of Croydon.

It is also noted for its sporting facilities, green spaces and popular recreational venues, all of which have really helped put the area on the map.

But perhaps the biggest draw for Selhurst is the fact that many residents have a strong involvement in their local communities too.

People take pride in where they live and, as a result, many residential associations have sprung up in the area.

This is one of the many qualities Selhurst has that attracts young families and professionals into the locality.

History

Selhurst is named after the Anglo Saxon for "dwelling in a wood". Historians believe the area could have been the site of an ancient Saxon settlement after remains were found.

The area has undergone significant changes and been subject to a series of transformations over the last century or so.

Industrial developments, the arrival of factories, and immigration have led to a population explosion in Selhurst over the years and has contributed to its shift from a small, rural village to a suburban hotspot.

Most of the changes that took place in Selhurst occurred in the 1800s, when dwelling-houses were built for London merchants. 

The first wave of employment also took place in this period, when the majority of people were employed in trade, manufacturers or 'handicraft' and others. 

Up until the early 90s, there was still very much a male-dominated social structure in the area and women found it incredibly difficult to get work.

Properties

There is a mix of different properties in the locality. These mainly consist of council housing, self-build, terraced housing and apartments.

Most of the homes are equipped with central heating, double glazing and driveways. The average rent for a one bedroom private property is £182 per week.

For council tenants, the average rent is around £87 a week for a two bedroom property.

Transport

The transport links in the area are efficient and reliable. A journey into London typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes and it is well served by buses and trains.

The main buses in the area are 75 and 157. A bus journey to Croydon will often take around ten minutes. You can also get buses to Lewisham, Penge, West Croydon, Crystal Palace and Purley Way.

From Selhurst station, trains go to Victoria, London Bridge, Epsom Downs and East Croydon.

Shopping

The main shopping areas in Selhurst are on Whitehorse Road and Windmill Road. However, for those prepared to travel just a little bit further, Croydon Town Centre and Surrey Street Market are short bus journeys away.

Leisure facilities

Selhurst is well known for its leisure facilities. One of the most obvious is Selhurst Park - an association football stadium and the home ground of Crystal Palace Football Club. 

It brings in athletes from all over the UK, as well as the wider world, and is a focal point of sporting activities in the area.

Some of the other main leisure facilities located near Selhurst include South Norwood Pool and Fitness Centre.

The centre has a gym, pool, aqua gym; children’s play area and family room. Other local leisure facilities include Thornton Heath Pool and Fitness Centre.

In addition, there are also a multi games court and children’s playground at King George's Fields, Gloucester Road.

Education

The area is well-served by local schools and education centres. There are four nurseries and primary schools in Selhurst.

It also has two secondary schools, include Selhurst High School for Boys and Stanley Technical High.

Published 20th June, 2014

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