We Made That lands 15-year Croydon town centre strategic vision
The Southwark-based practice will lead a multidisciplinary team to create a 15-year 'strategic vision and framework' for the south London town's regeneration.
The team also includes sustainability consultant Useful Projects, local 'homegrown' creative group Turf Projects, heritage and conservation adviser Place Services, planning expert GHPA, Civic Engineers and socio-economic development adviser PRD.
According to We Made That, the plan will be developed through a programme of community-led activities and workshops involving residents, businesses, and partners and running until this spring.
The architecture firm says its plan is part of Croydon Council's wider regeneration of the town centre, which is being prioritised by executive mayor Jason Perry.
The long-term regeneration of Croydon town centre is being funded by a £23 million grant from the Mayor of London's regeneration fund, matched by more than £26 million from Croydon Council.
Other practices involved in designing the regeneration include Hassell, Project Centre, Jan Kattein Architects, Studio Weave, East Architecture Landscape Urban Design, and John McAslan + Partners. Work includes improvements to Croydon’s streets, squares and open spaces, and support for new and existing businesses.
We Made That's previous work in Croydon includes the delivery of a mixed-use masterplan at Purley Way and the £2.8 million transformation of South End high street.
We Made That senior associate Tom Fox said: ‘Key to driving this forward is engaging and collaborating with the whole community, which is at the centre of our approach to developing the strategy with stakeholders.
‘This is important work that will refresh the strategic thinking of the council'.
Mayor Perry described hearing the voice of Croydon residents via community-led workshops as ‘a priority’ for the project.
And council cabinet member for planning and regeneration Jeet Bains said the project marked ‘an exciting time for the regeneration of Croydon’.
