As Croydon continues to evolve as a key destination for investment, business, and culture, Develop Croydon has been at the forefront of promoting the borough’s growth. Over the past year, a series of highly successful events have shaped conversations around Croydon’s regeneration, investment opportunities, and the future of its built environment.

From investor tours to roundtables, Develop Croydon has facilitated important dialogues, all culminating in the 15th Develop Croydon Conference : “Fresh Perspectives” which took place on 26 November at the iconic cultural venue Fairfield Halls. The Conference brought together decision-makers, developers, investors, and policymakers, offering valuable insights into the borough’s regeneration, investment opportunities, and strategic vision for the upcoming years.

Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, opened the event with the launch of ‘Unlocking Croydon’s Potential,’ the inward investment strategy from Croydon Council built on three key foundations – attracting investment, immediate and long-term action, and partnership.

He told investors: “Croydon is ready to collaborate, innovate and deliver. We are ready to work with you to build a borough that sets the standard for urban regeneration and economic growth.”

The event showcased a range of important topics, including Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW)’s start of consultation on a Masterplan Framework for The North End Quarter, sustainable plans for the town centre, the importance of public spaces and public realm in creating pride, building on its strengths to attract inward investment, and the Northern Runway project and its impact on the community.

Some of these imperative topics were discussed in the November edition of the Croydon News, released at “Fresh Perspectives”.

Another large milestone this year was Develop Croydon’s bold step onto the global stage at MIPIM 2024, an international property conference held in Cannes in March. Katharine Glass, Director, Develop Croydon, represented Croydon on a panel: “Opportunities in Outer London”, where she highlighted the borough’s appeal to international investors.

Katharine emphasised Croydon’s prime location, She said: “One of the main reasons you should consider investing in Croydon is its transport links. 15 minutes to Central London, 15 minutes to London Gatwick, and a fantastic tram network connecting us to Bromley and Wimbledon.”

She also highlighted specific asset classes that have seen success in recent years in Croydon, including build-to-rent and industrial. She put forward numerous opportunities available in the town centre, Purley Way and beyond.

Additionally, on the national front, Develop Croydon worked with Croydon Council and a delegation from the Gatwick Diamond Region to exhibit at the UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds in May. This was the team’s first time attending the event.

Richard Plant, Partner, Stiles Harold Williams, and Chair of Develop Croydon, commented: “Croydon has so much to offer potential investors. We have excellent development opportunities in the borough and our high-quality office space costs a fraction of central London. An added advantage for investors is Croydon’s connectivity. UKREiiF is the perfect place for us to showcase all that our borough offers in partnership with the local Council.”

Targeting investors, Develop Croydon also organised two Investor Tours, held in June and then September, that provided an exclusive, up-close look at Croydon’s up-and-coming developments, drawing investors with its potential investment opportunities. These tours have become key touchpoints for stakeholders to understand Croydon’s transformation first-hand.

The 25th and 26th Develop Croydon Investor Tour exceeded expectations and provided participants with an exclusive preview of Croydon’s new developments and investment opportunities. Highlights included: an electric coach tour to visit Beddington Lane and the Purley Way; a tour of Croydon College and a sneak peek of their new refractory; an inside look at the Whitgift Almshouses; a pre-launch visit to Croydon Urban Room, a space to talk about the future of the North End Quarter and wider town centre.

Further, Develop Croydon’s Partner Meetings this year have played an essential role in fostering collaboration and sharing insights on Croydon’s growth. In 2024, these meetings focused on both strategic goals and the practicalities of regenerating the borough. The team also hosted a drinks reception in September at Patrizia, which was a major success.

Lastly, the team also conducted a roundtable discussion on Croydon’s office market, including current trends shaping the office market in Croydon, key factors influencing occupiers’ decisions when choosing office space, the outlook for the office market over the next few years, the rise of remote and hybrid working and its impact on demand and current demand and any particular clusters in terms of sectors. Find the report here.

As 2024 draws to a close, Develop Croydon is already looking ahead to 2025, with a commitment to fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and driving forward its regeneration agenda. Stay tuned for more information.