IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Bedford Park, CROYDON, CR0 2YS

One of the newer office blocks in Croydon, completed c2007.

Y-shaped office block with canted windows wedged between narrow vertical brick piers which project above the roofline, rather like finials. 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.

Another office block has recently been boarded up for re-development, or demolition.

The Saffron Square development, at West Croydon. This will reach a total of 43 storeys, making it the tallest building in Croydon. Level with the red section of the crane, the highest floor, so far, is number 23. However, plans for a 55 storey block, near East Croydon Station, have recently been approved.

By Fitzroy Robinson & Partners, 1965-68, "large and utilitarian" thought Pevsner. A sign advertises refurbished office space from 2,248 to 64,453 square feet. The going rate appears to be around £20 per square foot. 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 housing development is nearing completion. 43 storeys high, for a while it will be the tallest in Croydon.

From Poplar Walk.

The 44 storey residential block at West Croydon.

The colourful Saffron Square.

A recently completed (if it is complete) block of flats called The Tower, at a development called Saffron Square. Not for poor people. The other tall building is Lunar House, a Home Office establishment dealing with visas and immigration.