Croydon has an outstanding platform for attracting business and the Develop Croydon Conference held a round table discussion on how to raise the bar.
At the “Attracting dynamic businesses” session, ideas put forward by delegates for attracting more companies included: diversify housing stock; enhance upskilling and reskilling opportunities for residents; greater collaboration between colleges and businesses; widening amenities offered with more and food and drink options; more green space; additional business support; improving the Croydon brand and reputation; providing a more welcoming, safer environment in the town centre.
Vanessa Clark, Managing Partner, Chase Sinclair Clark LLP, told the audience that while Croydon had lost office space since the introduction of permitted development rights – falling from more than 8million sq ft to 5.5million – the quality had increased. There is more Grade A office space and developers have included such things as cycle storage, showers, gyms and cafes with their office buildings.
“They’re all spending a lot of money on their buildings, because they know they need to keep and attract tenants. Croydon has the scale, stock, variety and versatility, so you’re not just looking at one building that might suit you. You may be looking at four or five,” she explained.
Carol Squires, Head of Employment, Skills & Economic Development, Croydon Council, explained the council was exploring options for the Whitgift Shopping Centre, saying: “We’re looking at how we can support the meanwhile use and my team is already making connections to go into certain spaces. It’s not an easy one.
“What we don’t want is something that is not fit for purpose. It’s really important we have a town centre that works and attracts people and is commercial, there’s no point having units you can’t sell or can’t get people into.”
She added: “For us, it’s about attracting the right kind of business, not any old business. We want really good jobs for residents, we want businesses that pay a wage on which people can live.
“What we need to do as a council is create a real collaboration so that we can showcase our dynamic offer together.”
The council is working with communities to tackle anti-social behaviour in the town centre, and is seeking to “open up the public realm and create more public space”.
London South Bank University’s (LSBU) Croydon campus was spotlighted as a proud development in the town’s offer.
Zoe O’Donnell, Senior Lecturer, LSBU, explained how the university was supporting businesses. SMEs were being offered advice on issues ranging from product development to financial assistance, while large businesses worked with students on placements.
The university, based at Electric House, has a new, dynamic enterprise space.
“We’re literally looking to invite businesses in. We want that to be a collaborative space where we can talk, where we can be dynamic, where we can share ideas, where we can bring things together and start to make things happen,” Ms O’Donnell said.