Fair Field Cultural Quarter Highly Commended in Planning Awards 2018

The Awards recognise excellence in both planning and placemaking. This means that as well as recognising outstanding professional planning work, they also reward excellence in planning-related activities such as placemaking, urban design, economic development, housing, regeneration, legal advice and environmental consulting.

The Fair Field has been Croydon’s location for entertainment, social activity, fairs, markets and performances for over 500 years. However, the area has become increasingly disconnected from the rest of the town centre revealing an inconsistent approach to planning. Our vision for the regeneration of Fair Field is informed by comprehensive research of the modern history of the site and buildings, and a creative approach to delivering a culturally and physically connected mixed-use quarter for Croydon.

The proposals retain the site’s iconic features whilst ensuring a sustainable future and effective re-use of existing spaces - primarily the celebrated, but declining, Fairfield Halls. With much-needed refurbishment and new accommodation for the Halls, our designs will increase the flexibility and functionality of all spaces to reinvigorate activity on the site.

The wider plan will repair links severed by the shortcomings of the original architecture and urban design, improving connectivity to the East Croydon rail station, local retail areas and the Queen’s Gardens. The proposals activate ground floor uses and introduce complementary day and night activities to provide a vibrant mix of uses to revive the Fair Field quarter as a major destination - in its own right.

Building on the legacy of the site, Fairfield Halls will act as a centre for arts, culture, entertainment and community participation with the ambition to engage and entertain the people of Croydon and beyond for future generations.