LIVE BRILLIANTLY IN CROYDON
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INCREDIBLE CROYDON l
ondon’s most populous borough – a humming centre of culture, arts, business, shopping, dining, sports and pleasure. Croydon really is on the up, with a brand-new Westfield centre just one of many new investments planned for the town. Brilliantly connected and a growing hub for entertainment, Croydon is truly realising its full potential. With three stations – East, West and South Croydon – not to mention the bus and tram networks, Croydon is perfectly located. Do you work in the City? It’s a fast 15 minutes to London Bridge. Fancy some sea air? Trains from East Croydon get you to the coast in just 40 minutes. And if you’re off on holiday, Gatwick Airport is just quarter of an hour away. If you like shopping, Croydon already has a great range of outlets, from high street favourites to chic one-off boutiques. However, the forthcoming Westfield development is set to take
Did you know…
The name Croydon is derived from the Anglo Saxon ‘croh’ and ‘denu’ meaning ‘crocus’ ‘valley’, which could be a reference to the cultivation of saffron dating back to Roman times, when the spice was a highly-prized medicinal ingredient.
Croydon to another level. If you’ve experienced Stratford or White City you’ll know what this will mean for those lucky enough to live on its doorstep.
Croydon Airport was one of the first to offer commercial flights and the first to introduce air traffic control.
As for entertainment, Croydon’s venues are on the tour list of most major productions and artists. Fairfield Halls regularly hosts major star performances, whilst scores of clubs, bars and small stages host live music, stand-up comedy and up-and-coming talent. And there’s not just one, but two cinema multiplexes to keep the most devoted film-goers happy. Croydon’s past is as colourful as its future. As a village mentioned in the Domesday Book, there are plenty of sights and stories for the amateur historian, including Elizabethan almshouses and Croydon Minster, the burial place of six Archbishops of Canterbury. Now is the perfect time to discover Croydon. A short hop to London, but in reach of the beach. Rooted in history, but with sights firmly fixed on the future. Here you’ll find a sense of community, a thriving business sector and plenty of bars, restaurants and shops when it’s time to relax.
Move to Croydon and you’ll be in good company. Famous Croydonians include: Kate Moss, Roy Hodgson, Emily Blunt, Derren Brown, James Buckley, Ronnie Corbitt, Desmond Dekker, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Tracey Emin, Noel Fielding, Sir Phillip Green, Ian Wright, Dave Prowse (Darth Vader!)
Croydon is London’s fastest growing tech cluster and tipped as a future technology base to rival east London’s Silicon Roundabout. A growing community of digital, creative and IT companies have all moved themselves into the area.
In 1803 the world’s first public railway was opened, connecting Croydon to Wandsworth.
Above, clockwise from top: Relaxing in Park Hill Recreation Ground; East Croydon Station, with easy access to rail, bus and tram; Fairfield Halls, a major performance venue for music and theatre; Queen Victoria outside Croydon Library On left and right: Fresh produce; street food and local colour in abundance at Surrey Street Market
King Henry VIII courted Anne Boleyn in his hunting lodge at Addington Palace, before it became the country retreat for six Archbishops of Canterbury.
The Brit School in Selhurst has produced some of the biggest talents in British music including Amy Winehouse, Kate Nash, Leona Lewis and Jessie J.
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INSIDER KNOWLEDGE
ACCESS ALL AREAS
Whatever you feel like doing, wherever you feel like going, the chances are Croydon’s transport links will get you there quickly and easily. Train times to the city, sea and countryside are all measured in minutes, as are tram journeys to Wimbledon!
KINGS CROSS
We’ve taken to the streets of Croydon to seek out its hidden gems and top picks. From food and drink to music and events, see what locals themselves love most about the area.
42 MINS
FARRINGDON
HOXTON
40 MINS
30 MINS
LIVERPOOL STREET ST PAULS 35 MINS BLACKFRIARS 25 MINS WATERLOO 28 MINS BUCKINGHAM PALACE VICTORIA
24 MINS
CANARY WHARF 26 CANADA WATER 27 MINS
35 MINS
LONDON BRIDGE
16 MINS
MINS
12 MINS
CITY AIRPORT WIMBLEDON
36 MINS
CLAPHAM JUNCTION
9 MINS
DAMINEE MAVADIA
“Why Croydon? The trams! Oh and Tiger Tiger nightclub on a Thursday evening, definitely. I’m going there tonight.
CROYDON
GATWICK
14 MINS EAST GRINSTEAD
CRAWLEY
24 MINS
BRIGHTON
35 MINS
45 MINS
40 MINS
Have lunch at the Crown & Pepper down in South Croydon, it’s really nice. I’ve just been there actually. Surrey Street market is good for lovely food too.”
Tip: Grab rustic fish and chips on Surrey Street Market or a Chinese lunch for two at the Crown & Pepper. Find Tiger Tiger just a short walk away from Surrey Street.
ROUN IYER
SUSANNAH DAVIS
LEWIS ISAAC
There’s a great new spot for coffee near the station. It’s a little coffee bike called Gold Box Coffee. They’re really cool and have just started out!”
Great spots include the Reflex bar on a Wednesday – they host a karaoke night if that’s your thing! Or Park Hill is lovely for an outdoor drink.”
Get a coffee just off Surrey Street at a nice place called Matthews Yard or grab some Mexican at a restaurant down the road called Tacolisa – great food!”
Tip: Find the Gold box coffee bike on the new Ruskin Square walkway – exit at the side of East Croydon station.
Tip: Find Reflex at 18 High St and Park Hill just a short walk from East Croydon station. Trains to Victoria run every 5-10 minutes from East Croydon.
Tip: Matthews Yard is located in the hub of Croydon’s Old Town serving coffees, cakes and more. Design your own taco or quesadilla at Tacolisa, 90 High St.
“I decided to move here around six months ago largely because of the choice of amenities and it’s just so varied. There’s a cross section of all sorts of people and lots going on.
“There’s a good sense of community in Croydon, with every kind of club you could want to join. It’s so easy to travel in and out of the city if needed though – just 20 minutes to Victoria!
“I’ve lived here since I was born; all my life. The transport is great, there are shopping centres, cinemas and bowling too. There’s so much to do.
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CROYDON: BEST FOR... What do you feel like doing today? How about starting the day with a nice breakfast, or browsing for a quirky collectible for your home? Perhaps Sushi or a burger for lunch, followed by tennis to burn off a few calories? Why not round the day off with a late-night cocktail or a dance? Here are just a few of the things you can see and do in Croydon. SHOPPING
EATING
SEE AND DO
OUTDOORS
LOVE MARKETS?
TEA AND SANDWICHES
A BLAST FROM THE PAST
PERKS OF THE PARK
Established in the 13th Century, Surrey Street is one of the longest operational markets in the south. Originally known as “Butchers’ Row” and famed for its livestock and meats, these days you’ll find the streets lined with fruit and veg instead.
LOVE COLLECTING?
Stuff Market Place is a vintage treasure trove. Every space is crammed with bizarre and beautiful objects, from vintage cinema seats to retro chrome car bumpers.
LOVE SERIOUS SHOPPING? Between them, the Whitgift and Centrale shopping centres are home to every high street store imaginable. And soon, they’ll all be under one roof with a £1 billion transformation combining the two into a new Westfield centre.
LOVE MUSIC?
Flick through vintage records from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s at 101 Records, one of Croydon’s hidden gems. Vintage Rock & Roll, Punk, Funk and Blues records are all on sale at good old-fashioned prices.
The Clocktower Café is perfect for a pot of tea and a sandwich. You’ll also catch a jazz band playing every Thursday lunchtime.
COFFEE AND CAKE
Sweet Patisserie & Café offers an incredible array of cheesecakes, truffles, macaroons and cupcakes. Perfect with a freshly squeezed orange juice or great cup of coffee on the side.
BREAKFAST AND BAKING
A diverse spot that serves up art, music and more, Matthews Yard is best known for its beautiful breakfasts and the irresistible aroma of fresh baking.
BURGER AND FRIES
Blacks Burgers is home to Europe’s biggest burger – with all the trimmings if you can manage them. If that’s not enough, try a hardcore milkshake – or hardshake – at this family-run diner that always receives rave reviews.
SMART AND STYLISH
Albert’s Table offers innovative British cooking good enough to be listed in the Michelin Guide. Aqua is a Mediterranean restaurant serving up great meze. Or try Sushi Tashi for amazing, authentic sushi.
Croydon has a bright and exciting future, but also a long and colourful past. You can explore the history of the town and its people in the Museum of Croydon, located inside the old Clocktower building.
A SONG AND DANCE
Fairfield Halls is a concert hall also comprising the Ashcroft Theatre and Arnhem Gallery, so whether you’re into Jools Holland, Mozart, Agatha Christie or stand-up comedy, you’ll soon find yourself here.
A QUIET MOMENT
Croydon’s sanctuary of silence is one of the very best public libraries around; a real part of the community offering a vast selection of books and newspapers, friendly reading groups and useful IT services.
A BIG NIGHT OUT
Go wild at Tiger Tiger, a favoured hotspot for late night celebrating and occasional Karaoke singing, or explore a wider choice of cocktail venues such as Sahara Bar.
Lloyd Park is one of the largest parks in the borough with areas dedicated to football, cricket, cross country, lacrosse and korfball. The TGO outdoor gym is free to all and located just inside. You can even play bowls or spend your Sunday riding horses, all just 10 minutes away by tram.
RUN TO THE HILLS
You can drive from the middle of Croydon to green surroundings in just five minutes. Addington Hills is a picturesque setting in which to enjoy stunning views, peaceful walks or, if you have the energy, gruelling runs.
WOODLAND STROLL
Visit Coombe Woods and you’re sure to get a surprise in the shape of beautifully manicured ornamental gardens and waterfalls. After all the excitement you’ll be ready for tea and cake at the Coach House Café.
ANYONE FOR TENNIS?
Think yourself the next Andy Murray? Park Hill is a beautiful space just behind Croydon College offering basketball and tennis courts for public use.
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INSPIRED LIVING
ESSENTIAL FACTS
Owning your own stylish home could be a lot closer than you might think. Inspired Homes are developing innovative, high specification and high quality living spaces right in the heart of Croydon, offering luxury accommodation at surprisingly affordable prices.
i
n the face of soaring costs and uncertainty in the housing market, an Inspired home could be your answer to securing a firm foothold on the property ladder. Inspired Homes are cleverly designed to offer apartments at prices with first-time buyers in mind. An innovative, designled approach to layout makes the most of every inch of space, creating some of the best-value living in town. Because Inspired Homes are building high specification, high quality living spaces, they really do let you ‘live brilliantly’. This means lots of natural light, solid wood floors, big name kitchens and bathrooms, and superfast
Internet connectivity. Every single fixture, fitting and finish reflects a touch of class that you – and your guests – will notice straight away. So if you’re ready to own your first home, or are simply investing for the future, come and discover how we can turn that dream into a reality. Inspired Homes’ two central Croydon developments are both situated close to good transport links – getting you to work, the coast, the countryside or the airport, quickly and smoothly.
CONNECTED CROYDON East Croydon station is just 5-10 minute walk from both Inspired Homes developments, with regular fast trains to Victoria taking only 16 minutes. The tram stop on George Street is also just minutes away, with frequent services travelling as far as Wimbledon and Addington Hills. And don’t forget West Croydon station – there’s some great routes including Shoreditch and Highbury & Islington in just 45 minutes.
EAST CROYDON STATION WHITGIFT CENTRE – SITE OF NEW WESTFIELD SHOPPING CENTRE
GEORGE STREET TRAM STOP
SURREY STREET MARKET FAIRFIELD HALLS
LEISURE ON DEMAND It’s easy to get to London and the coast, but if you want to stay local, you’re surrounded by art, culture, restaurants, bars, green space and sports facilities. SHOPPING ON YOUR DOORSTEP Surrey House and Green Dragon House are both just a couple of minutes’ walk from the market, a myriad of shops and, from 2018, the £1 billion Westfield centre.
A new, Inspired way of living is coming to Croydon in 2015.
Inspired homes are high specification, high quality living spaces with lots of natural light, solid wood floors, and big name kitchens and bathrooms
Surrey House Green Dragon House
1 BED FLAT
2 BED FLAT
Inspired Homes, Green Dragon House, Croydon
Available from £199,000
Available from £273,000
Berkeley Homes, Saffron Square, Croydon*
Sold Out
Available from £625,000
Average new home price, London**
£639,774
£980,898
*Berkeley Homes website October 2014 **Zoopla August 2014
Walking time from Surrey House & Green Dragon House East Croydon Station 5-10 mins Whitgift Shopping Centre 2-4 mins Nearest Tram Stop 3-4 mins Travel time from Croydon Victoria London Bridge Gatwick Waterloo Liverpool Street Brighton
16 mins 12 mins 14 mins 20 mins 24 mins 35 mins
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Surrey House
Green Dragon House
Surrey House and Green Dragon House were designed in the 1960s as office spaces for Croydon’s growing economy and have been home to a number of well-known companies over the years. Today however, with both buildings changing their use to residential accommodation and receiving an extensive programme of upgrading, refurbishment and development, a new era of stylish, urban living is being created. Clockwise from top: Surrey House – typical interior; Surrey House – exterior; view from top of Surrey House; elegant living in Surrey House Below: Surrey House – typical one – and two-bed plans
With Surrey House overlooking the famous Surrey Street Market, and Green Dragon House closeby on the south side of Croydon High Street, both developments are centrally located in the area popularly known as Croydon’s Cultural Quarter. Here you’ll find numerous bars, quality restaurants, modern arts and shops, all just a stone’s throw away. Croydon’s three stations are also near to both buildings, with buses stopping right outside and trams just a two-minute walk away. So when you’re off exploring the surrounding areas, you won’t have far to walk!
Now transformed into landmark settings for contemporary apartments, each development offers high specifications throughout. Every home incorporates efficient heating and lighting, the UK’s fastest broadband and the highest quality fixtures and fittings. Designed for modern, luxurious, urban living, come and discover Surrey House and Green Dragon House for yourself.
STUNNING HIGH QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS • Hardwood flooring • Granite kitchen worktops • Bosch kitchen appliances • Contemporary tiling to kitchens and bathrooms • Villeroy & Bosch sanitary-ware, Hans Grohe taps • Efficient heating system with heat recovery ventilation • ‘Smart Thermostat’ technology by NEST (GDH only) • Low energy LED lighting • Hyperoptic broadband – 1 Gig connection (fastest in the UK)
Clockwise from top: Green Dragon House – typical interior; elegant living in Green Dragon House; Green Dragon House – exterior; view from top of Green Dragon House Below: Green Dragon House – typical one – and two-bed plans
BE READY TO MAKE YOUR MOVE
Apartments in both Surrey House and Green Dragon House are expected to be ready in Autumn 2015 and are selling fast. Get in touch to register your interest today. Call us on: 0207 495 0523 Email us at: sales@inspiredhomes.uk.com Visit: www.inspiredhomes.uk.com /InspiredHomesUK /InspiredHomes_ /InspiredHomesUK