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Park Lane, CROYDON, CR0 1JX

This 1960s office block has been re-clad and converted to flats, but miraculously preserved in the basement is the sculptor William Mitchell's decorative scheme. It was cast from polyurethane with a Portland cement relief, left untreated.

This 1960s office block has been re-clad and converted to flats, but miraculously preserved in the basement is the sculptor William Mitchell's decorative scheme. It was cast from polyurethane with a Portland cement relief, left untreated.

Interior detail of Lennig House, Masons Avenue (2) This 1960s office block has been re-clad and converted to flats, but miraculously preserved in the basement is the sculptor William Mitchell's decorative scheme. It was cast from polyurethane with a Portland cement relief, left untreated.

One of the more original of Croydon's towers. Two staggered slabs of offices with shops at ground-floor level. It was built in 1968-69, the architects Tribich, Leifer & Starkin. Unlike the same firm's neighbouring Lennig House, Leon's clean lines have thankfully been spared a fussy modern re-cladding. See the other side here: Image Between the 1950s and the 1970s Croydon experienced a burst of commercial development unparalleled anywhere else in the country. The impetus was provided by the Croydon Corporation Act of 1956 which gave Croydon Council powers to develop land in the borough. A combination of improved roads, government incentives to relocate from, and Croydon's proximity to, central London, and lower rents attracted employers in their droves. By 1970 about six million square feet of office space had been provided in central Croydon. Development has continued since, but at a much slower rate. From a distance the skyline is impressive (the nearest this country comes to Manhattan), but the problem is that few of the buildings are of architectural merit.

The distinctive abstract designs of the prolific sculptor William Mitchell abound throughout this 1960s office block. He created two massive structural concrete columns running through two storeys in the reception area. Having been covered up for some years, his works are rightfully being shown off again as the building is converted to flats.

The distinctive abstract designs of the prolific sculptor William Mitchell abound throughout this 1960s office block. He created two massive structural concrete columns running through two storeys in the reception area. Having been covered up for some years, his works are rightfully being shown off again as the building is converted to flats.