Contest to be launched for public realm around concert hall
Croydon council is planning to hold a competition to find an architectural team to create a new setting for Fairfield Halls.
The concert and theatre venue is undergoing a £30m redevelopment by Rick Mather’s former practice Mica which is due to complete next year.
In an effort to position central Croydon as a cultural destination, the council wants to improve the public realm around the venue and neighbouring Croydon College. The plan is to use the area known as Fair Field, or College Green, for cultural events and performances.
It announced it will run a competitive procedure with negotiation at the end of January.
In a prior information notice published on Ojeu it said: “Croydon is undergoing amazing transformation, with the iconic Fairfield Halls and central Croydon soon to become the cultural destination for south London.
“The revamped halls, reopening in 2019, needs an equally bold and ambitious setting. Croydon is looking for a talented team of architects and landscape architects to create an exemplary public space that will become a fantastic venue in its own right, drawing in both national and international audiences.”
>> Also read: A walk around: Croydon
>> Also read: Rick Mather Architects designs Croydon cultural quarter
The brief is for a “world-class animated, attractive and well-used public realm that complements surrounding spaces and uses”.
It must create opportunities for “local enterprise”, cultural and community activity and informal play, as well as providing better connections through the area to places such as George Street and East Croydon station, Barclay Road and across Park Lane to Queens Gardens.
The council said the contract notice would be published on the London Tender Portal.
1 Readers' comment