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In a transfer that might assist repurpose (if not reshape) Croydon’s skyline, the famend One Croydon—previously often called the NLA Tower—would possibly quickly be reworked into residential flats. The constructing, with its putting polygonal design, is a relic of Croydon’s company heyday within the Sixties and 70s and has earned the affectionate nickname ‘Thrupenny Bit’ or ‘The 50p Constructing’ for its distinctive form.
This architectural landmark has not solely been an emblem of the city however has additionally gained cultural significance, that includes within the interactive Black Mirror episode ‘Bandersnatch’ and provoking the comedian zine ‘AdAstra Per Croydon: The Misplaced Historical past of London’s Forgotten Spaceport’.
Because the demand for workplace house continues to wane and Croydon grapples with a urgent housing disaster, regardless of some fashionable new residential choices such because the built-to-rent Enclave flats, the constructing’s homeowners have submitted plans to Croydon Council for its conversion into 250 self-contained flats. The council’s choice on this utility is anticipated by 24 September.
Colm Lacey, managing director of Tender Cities and former chief govt of Croydon Council’s now-defunct housing developer Brick By Brick, described the proposal as “an fascinating conversion of a much-loved native landmark.” Nevertheless, he cautioned that the plans seem to lack provisions for reasonably priced housing, a essential concern amid the continuing disaster.
Ought to the plans be accepted, One Croydon’s beautiful views of London and the North Downs, mixed with its proximity to the well-connected East Croydon station, would seemingly make it a extremely fascinating residential handle. “I wouldn’t thoughts residing there,” remarked one native fan.
The Twentieth Century Society, an organisation devoted to celebrating and preserving mid-Twentieth century structure, has voiced itssupport for the residential conversion, deeming it “an apparent and wholly cheap proposition in precept.” They’re additionally advocating for One Croydon to obtain listed standing, a bid that was unsuccessful in 2013. The Society argues that appreciation for the industrial structure of the mid-Twentieth century, significantly the works of Richard Seifert and Companions, has considerably advanced over the past decade.
Regardless of a historical past of criticism for its quite a few high-rise workplace buildings, Croydon’s modernist skyline is experiencing a resurgence in appreciation, with organisations just like the Twentieth Century Society and even the Nationwide Belief organising talks and excursions centred in town’s distinctive architectural panorama.
In a associated growth, one other iconic high-rise, St George’s Home, often known as the Nestlé Tower, confronted the same destiny however plans to transform it into flats had been apparently disrupted by the Chinese language property market downturn, leaving the challenge in a state of uncertainty, and exemplifying the ‘butterfly impact’ of contemporary international markets.
Nevertheless, as Croydon continues to navigate its architectural and housing challenges, what occurs with One Croydon might stand as a big indicator of the city’s evolving id and priorities.