Welcome

Croydon and Cool? Say wuuut?!

It’s fair to say Croydon isn’t generally considered the epitome of cool. But like all underdogs – there’s way more to it than it’s given credit for.

This big slab of concrete (surrounded by acres of countryside) has seen a lot of changes over recent years.

In East Croydon, there are more entertainment options thanks to the arrival of Boxpark and the refurbishment of Fairfield Halls. There are increased education opportunities courtesy of a new London South Bank University campus and a partnership between Croydon College and the University of Roehampton. There are more enterprise possibilities due to a growing tech hub and start-up culture fostered by the likes of Sussex Innovation Centre and Start Up Croydon. The restaurant and bar scene (celebrated at the annual Croydon Food Festival) is attracting foodies from across London and the long-awaited “Westfield” project is now underway again.

All this in addition to what already made Croydon a great place to be: a thriving arts scene (showcased by it’s London Borough of Culture 2023 programme), a vibrant community (based across a network of unique neighbourhoods – from Coulsdon, Purley and Sanderstead in the south to Norbury, Crystal Palace and Upper Norwood in the north) and excellent transport connections (including trains that get you to Central London in 13 mins, Gatwick Airport in 15 mins or Brighton in 45 mins).

As a Borough, Croydon has always bred talent and creativity – nurturing top international stars on stages at The Brit School and football fields at CPFC. A wider creative community has also now made Croydon home, drawn to studios and workspaces like Matthews Yard, Turf, Stanley Arts, ASC and Pirate and celebrated through the Borough’s Creative Enterprise Zone status.

Croydon is now home to record numbers of new developments and a growing population of workers, students and residents.

After a global pandemic, supporting local and investing in community has never been more important. CLICK HERE to learn how East Croydon Cool helps to celebrate and champion people and places across the Borough.