The 2018 Develop Croydon Conference was hailed an ‘informative’, ‘engaging’ and ‘expertly delivered’ event.

Entitled Generation Croydon, this year’s conference – organised by White Label – looked at how the borough will cater for the young and old as it continues on its transformative path of ongoing regeneration.

Hundreds of delegates packed into the Croydon Park Hotel, on November 20, to hear from an impressive array of speakers, including Gatwick Airport Chairman Sir David Higgins, Crystal Palace FC Chairman Steve Parish and Property Week Editor Liz Hamson among many more.

Cllr Tony Newman, Leader, London Borough of Croydon opened the event telling developers and investors they had a significant role to play in the continued regeneration of the borough.

“Investment in Croydon is real now and more is coming in. This is the chance to see the transformation of Croydon from a sleepy outer borough to a modern, sustainable city on the edge of London,” he said.

The positive messages continued during panel sessions on subjects including – culture, retail, housing, infrastructure and commercial workspace.

In the afternoon, a Youth Summit was held with over 40 young people, aged between 15-18, asked to look at what they want for the future of their home town. The group were then invited to join the main conference for speeches from Deputy Mayor of Planning, Regeneration & Skills Jules Pipe and Croydon Council Chief Executive Jo Negrini.

Pipe hailed Croydon as a shining example of good growth, highlighting Croydon’s all-round package and insisting the borough has a huge part to play in the future of London. He pointed to Croydon’s transformation over the past few years, the exciting developments in the pipeline and the proposed infrastructure improvements planned for the Brighton Mainline and East Croydon Station as huge reasons for optimism.

“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,” he said.

“In many ways you have a golden thread for placemaking in Croydon. Croydon can be a national exemplar of what can be achieved.”

Negrini closed the Conference by telling the delegates the borough’s aim must now be to build on its successes over the past few years and make Croydon “the best place” in the capital.

“Where else in London can you talk about culture, housing, infrastructure, workplace and retail? It’s a very special place. London needs Croydon now, it needs it for growth, but we have to ensure it is the right growth for us and not just for London,” she said.

“I really welcome all of you to join us for this next stage. Harnessing all of the energy of our current partners and with new partners coming in we can make this the best place in London.”

To close the day, the findings from the Youth Summit were fed back to the main conference by chairman Mark Easton, BBC Home Editor, to give all the delegates some key points to consider moving forward.

All those in attendance agreed it had been an absorbing and hugely beneficial day, with many stating it was the best Develop Croydon Conference yet.

“A great event, all of our team had an enjoyable and productive day,” James Cook, Planning Director, R&F Properties.

“Well done to the White Label team for a great event yesterday,” Sarah Sturrock, Director, South London Partnership

“A great day. A very good professional show,” Keith Pagan, Buxton Building Contractors Ltd.

“I was very happy to participate and congratulations on organising a great day. The youth summit worked really well too,” Carolyn Kenny, Assistant Director Retail Development, Hammerson.

“A very good Develop Croydon. And well organised,” Craig Marks, CEO, Menta.

“I’ve had very positive vibes from students and staff who found the conference to be fascinating!” Catherine Shirley MCIPR, Head of Marketing and Communications at The Whitgift Foundation.

“Well done on the event. I thought all the panels and speakers were very engaging. I thought there was a nice balance of views on the ‘Bricks and Clicks’ panel – and got a few comments afterwards that it was good to get a logistics view, so thanks for inviting me,” Oliver Bycroft, Director, Development and Leasing Team, Prologis.

“It was very interesting, I learnt a lot about what’s going on in Croydon and the team made some useful connections which is hugely helpful,” Steve Parish, Chairman, Crystal Palace FC.

“The event certainly felt vibrant and everyone was really engaged in the discussions,” Kathryn Morley, Chief Executive, OnSide Youth Zones.

“Very informative sessions and interesting debate at the Develop Croydon Conference 2018, focusing on Generation Croydon. A good mix of public and private involvement in the debate and plenty of food for thought around finding positive solutions for new housing, workplace and leisure opportunities for every generation. Expertly delivered by White Label,” Spencer Copping, Planning Director, WS Planning & Architecture.

“It was a very informative conference with great content, and very helpful to go into such detail on the planned development of Croydon. We look forward to doing more work in Croydon in the future,” Caroline Pontifex, Partner, KKS.

For more information, news and pictures from the event visit – developcroydonconference.co.uk