20-year-old block of flats hit by cladding scandal could be torn down

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

A block of flats in Croydon hit by the cladding scandal could soon be torn down by the developer.

It has been just 20 years since Citiscape was built in Croydon town centre. Residents faced uncertainty and feared eye-watering bills when dangerous cladding was identified on the building in 2017. 

But Barratt Homes covered the cost and removed the cladding in 2019. It uncovered serious structural concerns and residents were moved out while work took place.

In 2021, the developer bought all 95 homes at market value and made the decision to redevelop the building to partially fund the buyback costs. The building in Frith Road is currently covered in scaffolding.

Now, the developer has lodged plans with Croydon council for 144 new flats. It wants to replace the existing 11-storey building with two buildings – and the tallest would be 25-storeys tall.

The existing development has two basement parking levels with 72 spaces but the new development would have just four blue badge parking spaces.

Instead there will be 238 long stay cycle parking spaces for residents to the basement.

The plans include communal roof terraces and a courtyard at the centre of the development. This includes seating areas and play spaces.

Out of the 144 new flats, 22 would be offered as affordable homes. This would be split with six up for affordable rent and 16 sold as shared ownership.

Public consultation on the planning application is open until December 2 and a decision is expected by February 7, 2023.

Pictured top: How the development could look from the junction of Frith Road and Drummond Road (Picture: Barratt London)