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Cherry Orchard Road, CROYDON, CR9 6BX

One of Croydon's best new office blocks in Pevsner's opinion, crisply detailed and well proportioned. By the Austin-Smith/Lord Partnership, 1965-68. The projecting frame is clad in white mosaic, recessed behind which are black mosaic verticals. It has now been split into two blocks, this section being known as Stephenson House (the other section is the far taller slab 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.

Tucked away on the eastern side of East Croydon station, this pub has been much re-built, and extended, since I played darts here in the late 1970's. Behind the pub is East Croydon Post Office sorting office. In the days of Mail trains, mailbags were conveyed across the bridge (to the right of photograph) into the sorting office.

Cherry Orchard Road, with construction of further tower blocks under way.

Since this photo was taken, this 1970s office block has been pulled down in favour of a proposed mixed-use development.

Taxis queue in a double line, awaiting their turn to be called forward. In the distance is the Porter & Sorter public house, and the picture is framed by the bridge which was used to convey the mailbags from the station into East Croydon Post Office sorting office.

Contrary to appearances, this is not an old pub, having been established only about twenty years ago in an obscure location behind East Croydon station. As the name suggests, it is used by railwaymen and postal workers. I have heard, though cannot confirm from personal experience, that Brag and Poker are regularly played here.

The view from platform 4, East Croydon.

Not to be confused with the better-known Station Road at West Croydon, this short road off Cherry Orchard Road must be entered by taxis to access the taxi stance and also cars intending to drop off or collect passengers, when a very short wait only is allowed.

One of Croydon's best new office blocks in Pevsner's opinion, crisply detailed and well proportioned. By the Austin-Smith/Lord Partnership, 1965-68. The projecting frame is clad in white mosaic, recessed behind which are black mosaic verticals. It has now been split into two blocks, this section being known as Knolly's House (the other section runs behind 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. Top right is a sliver of this beauty: Image

Located beside East Croydon railway station; there is now a clear view towards the public house, following the removal of the redundant overhead mail conveyor. This area is designated for redevelopment, in the near future.