Croydon - nightlife, accommodation, things to do and general chat

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Whitgift Centre - Wikipedia "planning application now being decided upon in 2017 with construction to commence in 2018 "

Anyone remember the Forum in the Whitgift. I had certainly forgotton it's existance and don't think I ever went in there.

 

[Dan U]

I tend to agree.
The re-development of an ailing shopping centre in an existing CBD is a very different prospect to their development of a brownfield site at Stratford. The demographic and socio-economic profile of Croydon's foot-fall appears to have changed markedly since the development of previous shopping zones in Croydon, and especially since 2008. So, rather than building a retail sphere of influence from scratch, as with Stratford, the developers/Council face the challenge of bolting onto pre-existing patterns of usage and perception.
Big ask IMHO.

Croydon just can't do this big development stuff well, I know where Boxpark/Ruskin Square etc is finally being built on but it has been well over a decade of mind changing, failed schemes, rows with developers on that whole strip of land down that side of East Croydon station.

Having said that, I do think Westfield in Croydon can work. I think the town centre is somewhat blighted because of the massive uncertainity and the nature of the retail offer has changed as the landlords have to lower rents to fill units.

The Whitgift Centre is super tired as a building and really needs investment.

 

[brogdale]

Whitgift Centre - Wikipedia "planning application now being decided upon in 2017 with construction to commence in 2018 "

This gives a bit more detail regarding the timescale...if it ever happens.

The “rush” to redevelop the somewhat sad and down-at-heel Whitgift Centre has slowed to a crawl, with the promised shiny new £1.4billion megamall now unlikely to be ready to open until 2022 – a full decade since the scheme was first announced and five years later than the original 2017 completion date.

 

[ffsear]

With the pound being weak at the moment, Hammerson and Westfield Group really should be pushing to get this through ASAP to take advantage.

 

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

If they have never been able to fill central (less shops there now than when it started, food court is empty, practically nothing on the top level) how are they going to sort out anything new.

Had a look at box park this morning. Still not finished, and already looks like a deserted shit hole. Obviously it was only early but it seems a really odd venture. There is nothing to browse, it's all food for lunch bar, a coffee hole in the wall and a cup cake shop.
The list of shops on the wall is a bit weird too. Nothing but food, but you wouldn't have a clue what any of them were selling. Just odd names and no descriptions.
I think perhaps I am being negative so I think I need to give it a week and visit at lunch and in the evening. . . but my first impressions were miserable.

 

[brogdale]

If they have never been able to fill central (less shops there now than when it started, food court is empty, practically nothing on the top level) how are they going to sort out anything new.

Had a look at box park this morning. Still not finished, and already looks like a deserted shit hole. Obviously it was only early but it seems a really odd venture. There is nothing to browse, it's all food for lunch bar, a coffee hole in the wall and a cup cake shop.
The list of shops on the wall is a bit weird too. Nothing but food, but you wouldn't have a clue what any of them were selling. Just odd names and no descriptions.
I think perhaps I am being negative so I think I need to give it a week and visit at lunch and in the evening. . . but my first impressions were miserable.

Had a glimpse of the inside the other day, (craning my neck round the very large security fella), and have to say I found the rules & regs a bit unwelcoming for a city centre eating area. I can see what they're up to, but they seem to be implying that people can't rock up after doing their shopping. All a bit un-necessarily unwelcoming.

 

[Dan U]

am working in Croydon Thursday this week, hope to check it out.

if not definitely next week.

 

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

Had a glimpse of the inside the other day, (craning my neck round the very large security fella), and have to say I found the rules & regs a bit unwelcoming for a city centre eating area. I can see what they're up to, but they seem to be implying that people can't rock up after doing their shopping. All a bit un-necessarily unwelcoming.

Yeah, I can too see what they are up to, but what it seems to be really crying out for is a reason to hang out. If people are drawn there they might buy something there. Right now it seems really unwelcoming and miserable. No reason to go unless you are looking for a pricey lunch. Is there enough foot fall for that? I suppose if you are hungry and have just got off the train?

Are they planning to put on any events?

 

[brogdale]

Yeah, I can too see what they are up to, but what it seems to be really crying out for is a reason to hang out. If people are drawn there they might buy something there. Right now it seems really unwelcoming and miserable. No reason to go unless you are looking for a pricey lunch. Is there enough foot fall for that? I suppose if you are hungry and have just got off the train?

Are they planning to put on any events?

Well they supposedly put on this year's 'Ambition' festival...but charged people for the privilege of getting in to the council-subsidised event. Corporate welfare and the privatising of the commons at a local scale. Can't say I'm too enamoured with the outfit.

 

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

Well they supposedly put on this year's 'Ambition' festival...but charged people for the privilege of getting in to the council-subsidised event. Corporate welfare and the privatising of the commons at a local scale. Can't say I'm too enamoured with the outfit.

Yes. I wasn't too impressed by that.
Was that on Sunday? I passed by and they said you could get in free if you had a copy of the NME, which they were giving away free outside. Looks like they were having trouble giving them away, but there was still a small queue to get in.

 

[Dan U]

the Saturday event was busier I think, was also ££

I think there events on a Thursday night and some Sundays, mate of mine is certainly DJ'ing there this month at some point

http://www.boxpark.co.uk/events/

This Thursday has some old dubstep heads from Croydon playing

 

[brogdale]

The author is a bit of a christo dick, but he seem ed to like what was put on.

 

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

the Saturday event was busier I think, was also ££

I think there events on a Thursday night and some Sundays, mate of mine is certainly DJ'ing there this month at some point

Upcoming Events - Whats On | Shoreditch | Croydon | BOXPARK

This Thursday has some old dubstep heads from Croydon playing

Why only shitty music?

 

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

One dead, two seriously injured in Croydon knife attack

Oh, I used to live down a small ally off that street. Can be a little grim down there.

 

[Dan U]

Why only shitty music?

Not sure box park is ready for middle aged punk bands.

Which is a shame

 

[Dan U]

The author is a bit of a christo dick, but he seem ed to like what was put on.

View attachment 94705

He gets a bit of stick on this twitter accoubt

Take a look at PoxparkCroydon (@PoxParkCroydon): PoxparkCroydon (@PoxParkCroydon) on Twitter

Surprised it took so long for a parody!

 

[brogdale]

He gets a bit of stick on this twitter accoubt

Take a look at PoxparkCroydon (@PoxParkCroydon): PoxparkCroydon (@PoxParkCroydon) on Twitter

Surprised it took so long for a parody!

Bitter old cynics that we are, Mrs B & myself have been calling it that since we heard about its proposed development.

 

[ffsear]

He gets a bit of stick on this twitter accoubt

Take a look at PoxparkCroydon (@PoxParkCroydon): PoxparkCroydon (@PoxParkCroydon) on Twitter

Surprised it took so long for a parody!

suspended already!

Heading down on Thursday, will take some pics

 

[ffsear]

Yeah, I can too see what they are up to, but what it seems to be really crying out for is a reason to hang out.

Southern rail's shitty service must be helping.

 

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

Southern rail's shitty service must be helping.

If there was cheap booze and a smoking area right by where you wait for trains from Victoria in the evening they would make a killing from me.

 

[brogdale]

suspended already!

Heading down on Thursday, will take some pics

Precious, aren't they?

Back with @BoxkrapCroydon !

 

[Miss-Shelf]

If there was cheap booze and a smoking area right by where you wait for trains from Victoria in the evening they would make a killing from me.

Yeah some mobile good and drink service could have cleaned up in 2016 in all the southern stations...

I would favour a cart at Victoria near to the departure boards ...I don't dare leave cos I don't know when my service will be shown but I can frequently wait half hour /40 mins (sometimes much longer)...a bit of light refreshments while I wait would go down well

 

[Miss-Shelf]

In other news I have vegan friends staying in a couple of weeks time. Where can I take them in Croydon /south norwood ?

 

[Guineveretoo]

In other news I have vegan friends staying in a couple of weeks time. Where can I take them in Croydon /south norwood ?

Sunday Lunch at the Oval Tavern which is near East Croydon. Assuming they have started doing it again - I tried to go there on my birthday weekend and they were not doing proper Sunday roasts because it was still summer in their eyes!

The Mantanah Thai in South Norwood is wonderful and excellent for vegetarian and vegan food.

Am struggling to think of anywhere else, since Peppertons closed (years ago) - I tend to go to Crystal Palace when my vegan friends visit.

Of course, any Indian restaurant can do vegan food - Zafran on Lower Addiscombe Road is good. But not as good as the Indian Dining Club, which is not in Croydon or South Norwood

HTH

 

[Miss-Shelf]

Than you it does

 

[Miss-Shelf]

What about the Caribbean place in Sydenham (which is also not Croydon)

 

[Maggot]

In other news I have vegan friends staying in a couple of weeks time. Where can I take them in Croydon /south norwood ?

Have you been to Santok Maa in London Road? Excellent veggie Indian food, so am guessing some of it must be vegan. It's BYO too. Just watch out, as it's not open late.

Santok Maas - South East London : Vegetarian Restaurant Reviews and Ratings - HappyCow

I was thinking of organising an Urban meal there.

 

[Miss-Shelf]

Yes please do that and no I have not

 

[Hoss]

Hey Maggot that's just round the corner from me and it crossed my mind as a recommendation - I've not yet eaten in but have bought a couple of samosas and pakoras from there to take away. Very tasty. Reminded me of stuff I ate in India rather than generic Indian/Bangladesh curry house snacks.


.

 

[Miss-Shelf]

Let's set a date Croydon people
I have a birthday coming g up