Central Croydon’s public realm is undergoing major investment to reinvigorate its townscape as a centre for commerce. At the heart of this change is Southern House, a landmark 1960s office building. It is owned by London and Continental Railways, who manage and develop property assets within a railway context across the UK. Major refurbishment of Southern House has recently been completed inside and out to improve the occupational use and to attract prospective tenants. All aspects of the external refurbishment were led by LUC’s landscape design team.

LUC was appointed to redesign the external approach to the building. The landscape scheme aimed to improve the presentation of the building and to create a more inviting and accessible public realm, fully integrating the site into the surrounding area. Particular emphasis is placed on pedestrian movement and wayfinding. Walkways linking the main entrances to the wide range of local amenities as well as the public transport hub at East Croydon Station aim to inspire people to use their feet and more sustainable public transport.

Taking inspiration from the tramway catenary systems weaving through the town, LUC’s designers developed a catenary lighting scheme leading visitors to the buildings and onwards through the site. Together with a simple palette of refreshed surfaces and greening this revitalized space is another piece of the jigsaw that is propelling Croydon’s reputation as a serious contender in the market place for commerce.

LUC’s concepts and photos from the completed scheme are viewable on our Flickr page.