Croydon Protecting It's Identity

This week I read an small article, in the Croydon News, Historic England honours Croydon's architectural gems  Informing us about a number of Croydon’s historic buildings and structures, that have recently been granted increased status, helping to protect the borough’s unique heritage and restore pride. Croydon has taken a clear step to protect it's identity

Several buildings and a Victorian drinking fountain now have stronger protection. This comes through new local listings and a Grade II listing.

These decisions affect how the area develops, what gets preserved, and how people experience the town.

What has been protected

These sites now carry recognised heritage value:

• The Art Deco building used by Marks & Spencer

• The former Allders department store, with its sandstone façade from the 1800s

• Leon House, a Brutalist building now used as homes

• Victorian commercial buildings along George Street

• West Croydon Methodist Church

And one key addition:

• A restored Victorian drinking fountain (1896) at Surrey Street

  • Now officially Grade II listed

  • Built from granite and terracotta

  • Back in use, providing clean drinking water

These are not random choices.They reflect different eras of Croydon’s development, from Victorian trade to post-war design.

What is a conservation area

A conservation area is a place recognised for its special architectural or historic character.

It is not about freezing an area in time.

It is about managing change.

In practical terms:

• You can still develop buildings

• You can still renovate

• You can still invest

But:

• Changes must respect the character of the area

• Demolition is more restricted

• Planning rules are tighter

• Design quality matters more

  
  

Croydon’s town centre already includes the Central Croydon Conservation Area, where many of these buildings sit.

There is now a proposal to add the Whitgift Estate as a new conservation area.

Why councils use conservation areas

Councils use them to:

• Protect buildings that define local identity

• Prevent poor-quality redevelopment

• Maintain visual consistency in key areas

• Support long-term place value

  
  

Evidence shows conservation areas can increase property values and attract investment when well managed(Source: Historic England research on heritage and economic growth)

Is it a good idea

It depends on what you value.

Benefits

• Protects Croydon’s history and character

• Raises design standards for new developments

• Can increase long-term area value

• Creates a stronger sense of place

Challenges

• Slower planning decisions

• More rules for homeowners and developers

• Higher costs for renovations

• Risk of limiting new housing supply if applied poorly

  
  

What this means for you

If you live, work, or invest in Croydon:

• Your area may become more protected

• Changes to buildings may need approval

• The look and feel of your street is more likely to be preserved

If you are a practitioner, planner, or community leader:

• You now have a stronger framework to challenge poor development

• You also carry responsibility to balance protection with growth

  
  

The key question

Do you want Croydon to:

• evolve quickly, with fewer restrictions

• or develop carefully, protecting what makes it distinct

  
  

Have your say

Croydon Council is consulting on making the Whitgift Estate a conservation area.

The consultation is open until 15 May 2026.

This is your chance to shape what Croydon becomes next.