"Fair Field plays key role for good growth in London" Generation Croydon Conference

MICA's progress at Fair Field was on display and under discussion at Develop Croydon’s ‘Generation Croydon’ conference yesterday. MICA has worked in Croydon for four years developing the Fair Field masterplan. First Phase rejuvenation of the Fairfield Halls is on site, with further phases in the pipeline including Fair Field homes and extensive public realm and landscape.

Speaking about the ongoing works at Fair Field, Neil Chandler, Venue Director at BH Live said: “MICA Architects have done a superb job taking a heritage led approach to deliver much more than thought possible.” Chandler further expanded on MICA’s vision for the project to engage and entertain the people of Croydon and beyond: “the Concert Hall is hallowed ground but we have listened and we are opening up the entire building for everybody. It will be inspirational for everyone inside and outside the borough.”

Magnus Wills led tours around Fairfield Halls which allowed members of the Croydon community to see progress of refurbishment inside the venue with architectural insight from Wills. MICA’s designs will re-introduce activity in and around the Halls that will underpin the town centre’s leisure and visitor economy – reinforcing the area’s heritage as the cultural heart of South London.

Talking about the importance of developments like the Fair Field Cultural Quarter and others to Croydon, Deputy Mayor Jules Pipe stated ““there are huge developments coming forward but there’s this overall fostering of a real sense of community and civic pride. It’s all about creating a place.” Pipe also emphasised Croydon’s importance to the rest of the UK: ““Croydon has a key role to play in good growth story for London… Croydon’s growth will also benefit Surrey, Kent and the whole of the South East, its excellent connectivity with the region makes it a real driver for this part of the UK’s economy.”

Croydon is changing, with one of the largest youth populations in London and 1 in 8 people now over the age of 65. This year’s Develop Croydon Conference assessed how the town can cater for the young and old as it continues to undergo major regeneration.

For more information about Fairfield Halls, click here.
For more information about the Fair Field Masterplan, click here.
For more information about Develop Croydon, click here.