Development s changing hour-by-hour at Ruskin

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1 Big success as cycling elite speed across town THOUSANDS of people lined the streets of Croydon as the town hosted a hugely successful round of cycling s elite team competition on Tuesday, June 2. The town was the subject of an hour-long highlights package on ITV4 after hosting round three of the women s Matrix Fitness Grand Prix and round seven of the men s Pearl Izumi Tour Series. And the event got people talking about Croydon in a fresh light as, what the experts described as a hugely-technical circuit produced a thrilling evening s racing. Council leader Tony Newman and Mayor of Croydon Councillor Patricia Hay-Justice were among the presentation teams. WHEELS IN MOTION: The cycling tour events held in Croydon earlier this month were hailed as a success Development s changing hour-by-hour at Ruskin PROGRESS: George Osborne visited the site earlier this year The skyline next to East Croydon station is being transformed as lift cores towering 22 storeys high are now at work in Ruskin Square. With construction on the site well underway, the structure of Vita the first phase of 161 new apartments is taking shape. Lendlease has been appointed as the contractor for the first office building at Ruskin Square, with works having now begun on site. Ultimately, a collective 2million sq ft of commercial premises and 625 new homes on the Ruskin Square site will create an entire community just steps away from the mainline railway station. Revitalise The 500 million Ruskin Square scheme is being delivered by Schroder UK Real Estate Fund and its development partners Stanhope plc and is designed to revitalise this site at the gateway to Croydon town centre. Places for People, which is the residential partner for Vita, is delighted with the progress. THE FUTURE: A CGI prediction on how Ruskin Square will look Sales and marketing manager Elliott Stiling said: The team on site has been working hard to get things well underway and the development of the 161 new homes is firmly on track. Further activity will shortly take place elsewhere on the site with Boxpark founder Roger Wade having chosen Croydon as the pop-up shopping mall for fashion, lifestyle and food brands following the success of the first venture at Shoreditch. James Lass, fund manager of Schroder UK Real Estate Fund, said: Progress on site has been very positive and, with Lendlease now appointed and works now having commenced on the first office element, momentum is building. Securing Boxpark to enliven the area just next to the main station entrance has been another major success story for the development and we re expecting the hive of activity to continue through the summer before the eyes of commuters watching from the platforms. Welcomed The on-site team recently welcomed Chancellor George Osborne who took part in a tour of the site alongside Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell, during which they met Megan, a plumbing apprentice working with contractors Midgard through their partnership with Croydon College. Jason Margrave, development director for Stanhope plc, said: It was a pleasure to welcome the Chancellor and Gavin Barwell and to show them how much is changing hour-by-hour on the development site. Confidence now building as town attracts investors PROMINENT investors are tapping into Croydon s potential with a succession of major deals helping to change the face of the town. Consultant surveyor Vanessa Clark (pictured) believes deals such as Hermes Investment Management s purchase of the recently-refurbished Number One Croydon, one of the town s most iconic buildings, are game-changing in terms of the way the town is being perceived. The good news is that quality central London investors now see Croydon as an attractive proposition, she said. As confidence in the town has improved, so have prices. The so-called 50p Building, designed by Richard Seifert, changed hands in a reported 36 million deal, bringing Hermes investment in the town this year to around 70 million, having already acquired the Grants Entertainment Centre in High Street, which features a 10-screen Vue Cinema, health club, bars and restaurants. Chris Taylor, chief executive of Hermes Real Estate, said the purchases were part of the company s investment approach to capture the benefits from major urban regeneration programmes in the UK s key strategic commercial centres. Among its anchor tenants are Atkins Global and Natterbox and two floors of the building were recently let to Sussex Innovation Centre, part of the University of Sussex. Permitted development deals have significantly reduced what was previously seen as excess of office stock in the town, the latest of which has included Inspired Asset Management exchanging contracts on a 24 million deal with the Tricos Group of Companies for the 16-storey office block Impact House. Impact intend to convert the block into 188 affordable apartments for first-time buyers and buy-to-let investors. Metro Point in Sydenham Road achieved million in a separate deal and increasingly key Central London investors are emerging as the dominant players in Croydon through the likes of LaSalle Investment Management, M&G, Blackrock, CEL and Aviva. With Deutsche Bank, Aberdeen Asset, Management, Mayfair Capital, Resolution and CBRE among those apparently circling the Croydon market, Mrs Clark added: We have suddenly gone from having too much office stock to a realisation that new quality offices are urgently required as Croydon becomes more attractive to purchasers. The demands being placed on the office market are continuing to increase with a rising list of occupiers both indigenous and from outlying areas, as well as those looking for greater value than they currently receive in central London considering a relocation. It s a whole new ball game for Croydon, added Mrs Clark. But we need more quality offices to be brought forward in the town if we are to take full advantage of this new demand.

2 Tram loop aims to ease congestion and support regeneration T ransport for London has published more detailed plans of the proposed new tram loop in Croydon, the next step of improvements to the tram network designed to meet increasing passenger demand. The proposed Dingwall Road loop would see the trams routed anticlockwise via Dingwall Road and Lansdowne Road, which was the most popular option following a public consultation in November IN THE LOOP: The proposed tram extension We re building and managing quality homes for people in Croydon Views are now sought on these more detailed plans which add important passenger capacity without contributing additional congestion in Croydon town centre. The Dingwall Road loop has been developed closely with Croydon Council, and would support one of the largest town centre regeneration projects in London. Jobs The development is expected to create more than 5,000 permanent local job opportunities and deliver between 400 and 600 new homes, with the number of passengers using the tram network in the area expected to double by Beulah Road Brighton Road 6 homes for affordable rent 29 homes for social rent 5 shared ownership Completed February 2015 Completed April 2015 It is the latest stage in a long-term strategy to improve reliability and increase the tram capacity in Croydon by over a third, enabling an extra 1,600 passengers an hour to travel in each direction. Gareth Powell, TfL s director of strategy and service NEXT STEP: Tram route to be widened with a Dingwall Road loop development, said: The success of the tram network since it began 15 years ago is outstanding, with passenger numbers expected to double by To support this growth it is important to plan for the future. The Dingwall Road loop is the next step of a series of improvements that will deliver extra passenger capacity and increased reliability to the whole of the tram network. A public consultation has been held throughout this month which will help inform further design and planning work. Subject to the consultation, funding, and the proposal being endorsed by the Mayor of London, TfL intend to apply to the Department for Transport (DfT) for powers to construct and operate the Dingwall Road loop through a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) in autumn The construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2017 and be operational by autumn The Dingwall Road loop is part of TfL s future plans for the trams which, subject to funding, includes aspirations to increase capacity and extend the network to other parts of south London. New lease of life for old fountain Russell Hill Lamberts Place 9 homes for shared ownership 14 homes for affordable rent 12 for shared ownership Coming August 2016 Coming March 2017 Wandle is helping to tackle the shortage of good quality affordable housing. Our developments in Croydon provide new homes for the people most in need and those who would otherwise not be able to afford to own their own home. Yvonne Thomson Executive Director of Operations YvonneT@wandle.com We are an experienced developer with a detailed local knowledge and a track record of building outstanding developments. We build homes and communities where people want to live. We are looking for partners to deliver more new homes in Croydon. Please get in touch to find out more. John Walton Head of Development JohnW@wandle.com THE disused old fountain in Croydon s Queen s Gardens is to be given a temporary new lease of life as a lunchtime performance space over the summer. It will also be used as a central part of the new Ambition Festival being staged by Croydon Council from July 23 to 26. The fountain has not worked for many years and work is now under way to level the surface so it can be used as a temporary bandstand stage. The gardens, including the fountain area, will be remodelled after the building work on 420 new homes on the site of Taberner House, the former council offices, has been completed. Meanwhile the regeneration of the nearby College Green, including a full-scale PERFORMANCE: Queen s Gardens will get a new lease of life refurbishment of Fairfield Halls, will provide a route to and from East Croydon, quickly connecting visitors with Queens Gardens, the Clocktower, Surrey Street and Exchange Square.

3 Residential project is rising before our eyes MENTA Redrow s 500million development is about to rise with basement works of their showcase Morello development nearing completion. Work is ahead of schedule on the flagship project which will transform a previously derelict site next to East Croydon railway station into a vibrant, sustainable community. ARTISTIC VISION: The Cane Hill site will eventually be home to 675 new houses Foundations are laid for first phase of scheme DIGGERS have moved on to the former Cane Hill Hospital site in Coulsdon to begin laying the foundation for new houses. The first phase of the scheme, by Barratt Homes and Ward Homes, will see 187 houses built as well as the removal of contaminated land around the former hospital. The developers eventually intend to build 675 new homes, around a quarter of them affordable. Mark Bailey, a managing director of the companies, said: On top of the much-needed new homes and regeneration for Croydon, the development will provide a large number of jobs for local people. We will also be providing more than 10m of investment in local transport infrastructure and services like health and education. Although there have been objections from residents, Croydon Council granted full planning consent last October and a legal bid for a judicial review was rejected in the High Court. Former mail delivery office is sold on for housing development T HE former Royal Mail delivery office has been purchased by leading housing provider the Hyde Group in collaboration with Joseph Homes. The acquisition of the landmark site in Addiscombe Road demonstrates Hyde s commitment to working with key stakeholders to deliver high quality homes for Croydon. David Gannicott, Hyde s group director of business development said: We are delighted to be at the heart of the regeneration of East Croydon and look forward to working in partnership with the London Borough of Croydon to help deliver their vision. Transform Adjacent to the major transport hub of East Croydon station, Addiscombe Square is ideally located to transform this area. We are committed to providing an exemplar mixed use scheme of which residents can be proud. Knight Frank completed the sale of Addiscombe Square, Croydon to Hyde on behalf of Royal Mail Group. Jason Hobbs, associate at Knight Frank said: This sale illustrates how development opportunities in areas that will benefit from significant investment and regeneration are achieving premium prices. STRATEGIC SITE: Hyde Group have purchased the delivery office Addiscombe Square is a prominent site close to East Croydon Station which I m sure will be a long-term success for the Hyde Group as Croydon begins its transformation. The Hyde Group is committed to delivering 5,000 new homes of varying tenure over the next three years. Joseph Homes, together with its PRS brand Roost, has 1,000 homes in various stages of planning and development in London and plans to deliver 4,000 over the next five years for both the private sale and private rented sector. Mike Stott, development director of Joseph Homes said: We are proud to be the Development Manager on this project and look forward to working closely with Hyde Group and the London Borough of Croydon to deliver a worthy scheme on this strategic site. The scheme also has the backing of Mayor of London Boris Johnson. A joint statement by Barratt Homes and Ward Homes said: We are looking forward to working within the existing landscape to provide a sustainable community which will meet the local need for more housing while retaining the character, heritage and rural feel of the site. More than a third of the first phase is sold, with many of the homes being secured by existing Croydon residents and the first occupancy on course for Menta chief executive Craig Marks believes they are not only seeing the potential of being next to the town s main transport hub but also being part of the leafier residential Addiscombe ward. The project will ultimately deliver 900 new homes, a hotel, apartments, a gym, coffee shops and cafes as well as creating a new pedestrian link from the revitalised Addiscombe area, to ON TRACK: The Menta Redrow development is ahead of schedule the new station bridge and onto Westfield and Hammerson s new shopping centre. Redrow and Menta are delighted with the progress, said Mr Marks. The Morello homes are being designed by Ken Shuttleworth s world-famous Make practice, which was also involved in the Gherkin in central London.

4 How the face of Croydon 1. EDRIDGE ROAD Developer: Sloane International Group 2. VERTEX Developer: Durkan Vertex is a new landmark building in the heart of Croydon s town centre which will provide 98 new one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Zest Living will retain 59 apartments within its private rent sector portfolio, which will be built to a high standard of environmental sustainability, using the latest modern building materials. 3. GREEN DRAGON HOUSE Developer: Inspired Asset Management 4. TABERNER HOUSE Developer: CCURV The site of the former Croydon Council offices will be transformed into 420 new homes. Make s design for the scheme, which features a 32-storey tower, includes one, two and three bedroom properties in the heart of the town centre and will deliver a striking new public space. As part of the scheme Queen s Gardens will be enhanced with new retail space to create a vibrant public area. 5. ST GEORGE S HOUSE Developer: Legal & General St George s House has consent to convert the existing office space into two striking residential buildings. The high-quality redesign and refurbishment incorporates 265 private residential apartments, 23 affordable apartments, underground car parking and amenity/retail space. An amenity space has been designed to enhance the design, providing common areas to include: coffee shop, reception, concierge service and roof gardens. The construction programme is still under review. 6. COLLEGE GREEN Developer: London Borough of Croydon The College Green development is central to the Fair Field Masterplan and the regeneration of central Croydon. This mixed-use scheme has capacity for significant numbers of residential units alongside new cultural and employment space to complement the existing uses within the area. The site encompasses the famous Fairfield Halls venue which will be refurbished as part of the scheme. space, and 100,000 sq ft of retail, café and restaurant space all set within an extensive landscaped public realm. Work is due to begin shortly on the first office building. The developers are advised by Jones Lang LaSalle and Savills. 11. ADDISCOMBE SQUARE Developer: The Hyde Group in collaboration with Joseph Homes A high quality mixed use residential scheme adjacent to East Croydon Station. 12. MORELLO OFFICES Developer: Menta A scheme to develop a new gastro pub of about 6,500 sq ft, as well as 70,000 sq ft of offices, has been approved and is expected to be on site in 2018 as the final phase of the Morello development. 13. MORELLO TOWER Developer: Menta Morello is a mixed-use scheme by Menta which includes a landmark 55-storey residential tower. The tower creates a vertical street with 424 new homes ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments with spectacular views towards London and the South Downs. On the lower floors, shops and restaurants will serve the residents of Addiscombe and those moving through the scheme to access the new station development. A 17-storey four-star boutique hotel will sit adjacent to the tower. Work is scheduled to start in CHERRY ORCHARD GARDENS Developer: Menta Menta has secured planning consent for a mixed tenure development of 71 residential units and a community centre, public square and shops in Cherry Orchard Road. A mix of town houses and apartments are predominantly focused at the affordable end of the market. 15. MORELLO Planning: On Site A 79,385 sq ft scheme delivering 110 residential one and two bedroom apartments to the private rental sector. The scheme is on site and it is anticipated that it will be completed by December. Developer: Croydon College and Phoenix Logistics Developer: Menta Redrow Ltd Menta Redrow are on site and recently launched the first phase of 300 new homes of the showcase Morello development, which will link to the Morello Tower adjacent to East Croydon Station. The development will transform the area into a vibrant, sustainable new community, integrating with the largely residential community in Addiscombe, and act as a catalyst for regeneration of the area. The project proposes to deliver more than 900 new one, two and three bedroom homes, a hotel, apartments, a gym, coffee shops and cafes over the next five years and integrate with the new station development GEORGE STREET 16. QUEST HOUSE Developer: Criterion Capital Planning: On Site A 56,816 sq ft scheme, delivering 91 residential one and two bedroom apartments to the private rental sector. The scheme is on site and it is anticipated that it will be completed by February Developer: Fairfield Ltd Developer: Family Mosaic 22. HALLAM HOUSE 7. COLLEGE ROAD 19. CYGNET HOUSE Developer: AA Homes and Housing Planning: On Site BEDFORD PARK Developer: M & G Real Estate BEDFORD PARK 9. ST ANNE HOUSE 17. ONE LANSDOWNE ROAD Developer: Bravo Hotel Group Developer: Guildhouse Rosepride LLP A landmark 55-storey tower designed by Piers Gough CBE of CZWG Architects. Planning consent is in place for 397 residential apartments, a 217-bed hotel and 180,000 sq ft of office space. A planning application will be submitted this year to replace the hotel element with a second residential tower. The main tower element of the scheme will be one of the tallest residential buildings in the UK at a height of 200m firmly placing One Lansdowne Road as one of the focal points of London s skyline. Developer: The Oakwood Group & Amicus Horizon Planning: On Site The Oakwood Group purchased this former warehouse and office building with the benefit of detailed planning permission for 16 houses and 43 apartments. The adjoining site was purchased on a conditional basis and planning permission was then secured for a further 21 apartments. The Oakwood Group entered into a lump sum design and build contract with Amicus Horizon to deliver the construction under a package deal arrangement. Seventeen of the residential apartments are being delivered for shared ownership, with the balance being delivered for affordable rent. 18. CANTERBURY HOUSE 23. ISLAND Developer: Criterion Capital Developer: Regency Homes 10. RUSKIN SQUARE Developer: Croydon Gateway Limited Partnership (Schroder UK Real Estate Fund and Stanhope Plc) Ruskin Square is a 500 million, two million sq ft mixed-use scheme adjacent to East Croydon Station. Construction is under way on the first phase with 161 apartments, being delivered by Places for People, due for completion in summer In total, Ruskin Square will comprise up to 625 homes, 1.25 million sq ft of Grade A office 24. NORTH WELLESLEY REGENERATION Developer: Blackland Capital and The Hyde Group Blackland Capital and The Hyde Group are working on the North Wellesley Regeneration. Covering 2.5 hectares, it will provide a significant housing contribution to the Croydon Opportunity Area. 25. SAFFRON SQUARE Developer: Berkeley Homes Berkeley Homes is building a high-quality mixed use development of 791 new homes incorporating an iconic 43-storey tower. Saffron Square is designed around a one-acre public square complete with water features and overlooked by a residents gym, business lounge, 24-hour concierge and a selection of shops and cafes. 26. DELTA POINT Developer: Criterion Capital Consented scheme set to deliver 404 residential one and two bedroom apartments to the private rental sector. This 367,630 sq ft development is currently on site and it is anticipated that it will be completed by March ST MICHAEL S SQUARE Developer: Barratt London 28. WHITGIFT CENTRE Developer: The Croydon Partnership The London Borough of Croydon granted planning permission for the Croydon Partnership s 1bn-plus scheme for the redevelopment of the Whitgift

5 is continuing to change... Centre, with more than 1.3m sq ft of prime retail, leisure and dining space, public realm, improved car parking facilities and up to 600 new residential units. Combined with the Partnership s ownership of Centrale, this will create a town centre destination of more than 2m sq ft DINGWALL AVENUE, 9/11 WELLESLEY ROAD & MERIDIAN HOUSE Developer: Albemarle LLP 36. BERNARD WEATHERILL HOUSE Developer: CCURV CCURV s cornerstone project, the development is a 240,000 sq ft BREEAM excellent office building which houses Croydon Council and a range of local service providers. CCURV achieved practical completion of Bernard Weatherill House (BWH) on May and council staff moved in September NEW SOUTH QUARTER Developer: Barratt London GEORGE STREET Developer: Freshwater 31. CANE HILL, COULSDON Developer: Barratt Homes 38. RENAISSANCE Developer: M&G Real Estate BRIGHTON ROAD Developer: Delta Homes Ltd (Wandle) 447 Brighton Road in South Croydon is a contemporary, mixed-tenure scheme providing two, three and four bedroom homes. The development is located within a highly sought-after growth area, close to parks, amenities and only a two-minute walk away from a mainline station. 33. MID-CROYDON MASTERPLAN Developer: Multiple owners 34. EXCHANGE SQUARE Developer: Multiple owners 35. IMPACT HOUSE Developer: Tricos Group 39. INTERCHANGE Developer: Canmoor & CarVal Investors Interchange is a new 180,000 sq ft grade A office building located in the heart of Croydon, close to West and East Croydon stations and the Whitgift Centre. It provides exceptional quality and value, with 18,000 sq ft flexible floor plates, a vibrant three-storey atrium and 400 secure parking spaces. Key tenants include Carillion and Selection Services SYDENHAM ROAD Developer: AA Homes and Housing 41. CAROLYN HOUSE Developer: Arcus/LaSalle Investment 42. EXCHANGE COURT Developer: AA Homes and Housing being assembled. The intention is to formally lodge a planning application in August ADDISCOMBE GROVE 48. SUNLEY HOUSE Developer: The Oakwood Group The proposal is for a residential led mixed-use development, comprising about 70 residential apartments and flexible commercial space at ground floor level. The scheme will be sympathetically designed with 21st Century living firmly in mind and will represent the very best in modern urban architecture. The intention is to formally lodge a planning application in August Developer: LaSalle Investment 44. LEON HOUSE Developer: In administration 45. EMERALD HOUSE Developer: Dartmouth Capital 46. DERBY ROAD Developer: Purespace Capital 47. MILTON HOUSE Developer: The Oakwood Group The site, between Gloucester and Milton Road, is a collection of dilapidated warehouses and office accommodation. There are a number of challenges after numerous refusals of previous planning applications on grounds of overdevelopment, excessive building heights, non-conformity with building lines, loss of employment and character. Initial discussions with the local planning authority have been positive and a scheme of about 85 residential units and 20,000 sq ft of commercial is 49. CAIRO PLACE Developer: Cairo Properties Ltd Cairo Properties Limited design team have been working closely with the local planning authority, through its rigorous pre-application process, on this residential-led scheme at this strategic gateway site in the historic Old Town. The proposed scheme has challenged all those involved to produce a development which respects and enhances this sensitive heritage location. A full detailed planning application is expected to be submitted in June Cairo Properties Ltd is an SPV owned by David Hudson (Guildhouse UK Ltd) and Mark Waterstone (Rosepride Ltd). 50. BOXPARK Developer: Boxpark Boxpark, which opened the world s first pop-up mall in Shoreditch, East London in 2011, has teamed up with Croydon Council, Schroder UK Real Estate Fund (SREF) and Stanhope plc. to bring forward a new Boxpark at Ruskin Square, Croydon. In line with its Shoreditch forerunner, Boxpark Croydon will focus on small independent retailers to create a unique shopping and dining experience. This will transform the quality of the retail and leisure offer in Croydon and is expected to draw customers and new businesses from across south London, Surrey and Sussex. 51. METRO POINT Developer: AA Homes and Housing

6 World-class retail vision moves closer T ONE MORE STEP: The Westfield proposals are waiting to be rubber-stamped he developers behind a proposed 1.5 billion shopping and retail redevelopment of Croydon s largest shopping centre are awaiting the green light to move ahead with their plans. between Westfield and Hammerson, hope to be on site next year to begin work on transforming Croydon s town centre into a world-class retail and leisure destination. An inquiry into the CPO (compulsory purchase order) needed to bring forward the scheme was held led by planning inspector Paul Griffiths in the spring with representations made for and against the scheme, and the result is expected to be confirmed by the Secretary of State later this year. The proposals have cross-party support and Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell said: I have long said that Westfield and Hammerson s plans to transform our shopping centre is the best news Croydon has had in a long time. If permission is granted and upon achieving detailed planning consent the Croydon Partnership, the joint venture Support Not only will it give us a modern shopping centre with all the top brands and sensible parking prices, it will create thousands of jobs and help to change Croydon s image encouraging major firms to relocate their offices here. The Croydon Partnership s land assembly programme recently took a significant leap forward with the acquisition of the Whitgift Trust s 50 per cent long leasehold interest in the Whitgift Centre. That transaction gives the Partnership ownership of the shopping centre, alongside its freehold owner the Whitgift Foundation which fully supports the vision, as well as direct management control. The Croydon Partnership intends to continue to negotiate for the remaining land interest and rights. TOUCH ONLINE R&D MOBILE Interactive Digital Experiences Quintessence is a local company that produces Interactive experiential presentations, applications and websites for large smart surfaces, tablet and mobile devices for the Property, Education, Retail and Office sectors. Suitable for sales and marketing suites, company showcases, retail stores, collaboration forums, conference tables and more... 3D If you are interested in presenting your organisation in a more dynamic way, please contact: 3D ROB BOSHER R&D E - rob@quintessenceltd.co.uk W (0) (0)

7 Business incubator a In brief hub for entrepreneurs CROYDON is to provide the base for up to 30 high-growth potential companies with more than 300 employees when the borough s new business incubator, Sussex Innovation Croydon, opens this summer. Sussex Innovation Croydon will be an incubation hub for entrepreneurs, start-ups, growing companies and corporate investors, offering flexible, professional office space and in-house support services, which is expected to support more than 100 local businesses through its network. Over the next three years it is estimated the businesses will generate 6million in turnover and raise 1million in investment. Sussex Innovation executive director Mike Herd said: With office rental costs soaring in London, it s no surprise that entrepreneurs are looking to move out of the capital. EPICENTRE: Sussex Innovation executive director Mike Herd At the same time, we ve seen 2m tech space for companies on the cutting edge T ech businesses and start-ups are to be offered space in a prime location at the heart of Croydon s regeneration programme. A 21,000sq ft tech space in Davis House is due to launch early next year, providing flexible office and working areas as well as training, courses and events plus investor and demo days allowing budding businesses to meet potential investors, industrial partners and growth specialists. It will also house Digital Art Central, the UK s first digital art and media specialist hub, providing the leading digital artists and art entrepreneurs with the same high-level facilities and business-building tools usually reserved for tech entrepreneurs. Unique Councillor Toni Letts, Croydon s cabinet member for economic development, said: This unique project confirms Croydon s position as London s most significant new tech cluster, and will provide a world-class facility right at the centre of our regeneration programme. The incubator will accelerate Croydon s best digital ideas and be an exciting new chapter for the digital sector in Croydon enabling SME start-ups to access NEW PREMISES: Tech businesses and start-ups will be offered a place at Davis House technologies and expertise to collaborate on innovation, creating jobs and more for Croydon s economy. The project has 2million of backing from Croydon Council and the Greater London Authority. Sir Edward Lister, GLA chief of staff and deputy mayor for planning said: This brand new space in Croydon will lead to the creation of more cutting-edge tech companies, more jobs and more economic prosperity. Croydon is undergoing an incredible social and economic renaissance and, through the Mayor s Regeneration Fund, we are working to breathe new life and vitality into this part of the capital. The application process for start-ups to join the tech hub is scheduled to open in November and some space will be made available free to early-stage start-ups, providing a huge boost to the capital s fastest-growing tech cluster. Jonny Rose, founder of Croydon Tech City, said: This workspace will be a welcome addition to Croydon Tech City s burgeoning tech ecosystem and a boon for the hundreds of entrepreneurs, developers and creatives who live and work in the borough. Croydon has seen a huge amount of growth in the TMT sector over the past few years and physical hubs like this will play a key role in continuing the ecosystem s success. local businesses moving away from areas like Croydon due to a lack of flexible facilities designed to support businesses during rapid growth. Incubator hubs such as Sussex Innovation Croydon are being established to tackle both of these issues head on and to help the next generation of entrepreneurs. We know that growing businesses favour good transport links and competitive property rates over the perceived cachet that a central London address provides, but still need access to markets and expert advice, making Croydon the next likely epicentre for entrepreneurs. Sussex Innovation Croydon is designed to combat this, providing access to strategic advice and tailored business support, all under one roof. Mr Herd added: Timely access to support services like investment and expert advice can make or break the fortunes of start-ups. Agents on the crest of wave A WAVE of activity in Croydon has helped Stiles Harold Williams to be named among the five most active agents in the M25 belt. Property sector journal Estates Gazette found SHW outperformed national players such as JLL and Strutt & Parker with involvement in 447,677sq ft of transactions in the 12 months to the end of March Croydon has played a major part with significant deals such as the 83,487sq ft Emerald House and 24,364 sq ft CityLink Two in the town. 3m boost CROYDON-BASED voice services provider Natterbox has received a 3million funding boost to its plans for global expansion. The start-up, launched in 2012 by Webroot founder Neil Hammerton, recently opened headquarters in the Number One building in Croydon, has more than 250 companies signed up to its service including Groupon, Kimberly-Clark and Legal & General. Mr Hammerton said: We want to keep this momentum up and we have expanded our team worldwide to do so. Loan support A LOAN fund that supports small businesses and entrepreneurs who have difficulty accessing finance from banks, is to be increased. The Croydon Enterprise Fund, which has already supported more than 230 local businesses, will see its pot increase to 4million as managers GLE provide loans of up to 5,000 for start-ups and 25,000 for small businesses.

8 In brief Conference TICKETS are now on sale for the fifth Develop Croydon Conference which will take place at Fairfield Halls on November 18. This year s conference will be titled Croydon: London s Future and brings together influential practitioners from across a range of disciplines. ALTERNATIVE: Boxpark is expected to create around 200 jobs Designers hoping to box clever for market See the website at develop croydonconference.com Exhibition DEVELOP Croydon is exhibiting again at RESI The conference, now in its ninth year, takes place at Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales, from September 7 to 9, and opportunities are available at an exclusive rate for Develop Croydon Forum members to attend. Investment Following the success of May s fully-subscribed Croydon Investor Tour, potential investors and occupiers get another opportunity to see for themselves the opportunity which exists in the town on September 29. The tours allow guests to see existing and planned commercial, residential and retail developments throughout the town by foot, coach and tram. STAYING IN TOUCH: The Quintessence interactive map being used Interactive map of plans in borough A WORLD-LEADING interactive map, which allows people to view and explore Croydon s multibillion-pound regeneration developments, becomes public facing from today (June 26). The new free-to-use internet version is based on software Quintessence developed for a large screen interactive display that has showcased Develop Croydon at home and overseas. Developed by Develop Croydon Forum partner, Quintessence, the Croydon touch screen Interactive Map, can be viewed on Windows PCs or tablets via the cloud. Managing director Rob Bosher, who founded Quintessence in 2009, said: Develop Croydon Forum members and businesses have benefited from our innovative, multi-touch solutions Assael for community consultations, exhibitions and investor launches. We are proud to assist Croydon in its future growth. The technology also helped to promote Croydon as a technology hub. Boris Johnson used the system at MIPIM, enabling him to quickly visualise the growth ambitions of Croydon, which attracted National media attention. DESIGNING Boxpark Croydon has been a dream commission for its designers as plans forge ahead for a new marketplace next to East Croydon station. structures using upcycled shipping containers, working with Roger Wade and his team on Boxpark Croydon has been a dream commission. Having opened the world s first pop-up mall in Shoreditch in 2011, Boxpark has teamed up with Croydon Council, Schroder UK Real Estate and Stanhope plc to work on the Ruskin Square site. We are all intent on delivering something truly unique and amazing; building on the experience of Boxpark Shoreditch but taking it to the next level. Constructed out of stripped and refitted shipping containers, it has been designed by Gavin Elliott of architecture practice BDP and will include 80 units arranged around a covered courtyard made available for year-round events. Croydon Council is supporting with the delivery of Boxpark Croydon alongside the Greater London Authority and the project should create around 200 new jobs on top of a range of apprenticeship opportunities being delivered in conjunction with Croydon Council. In line with its Shoreditch forerunner, founded by Roger Wade, Boxpark Croydon will focus on small independent retailers to create a unique shopping and dining experience. Mr Elliott said: As a designer with a long-standing enthusiasm for creating memorable Councillor Alison Butler, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for homes and regeneration, said: Boxpark will help attract more visitors to the area and provide a fantastic alternative shopping experience.