Croydon Arena scheme in tatters as CPO bid is turned down
The final nail in the coffin of Croydon's controversial arena scheme was hammered home this morning.
Communities secretary Hazel Blears announced she was rejecting Croydon Council's request for a compulsory purchase order (CPO) forcing developers Stanhope/Schroders to sell land at East Croydon.
Rival developers Arrowcroft, backed by the council, had plans to build a 12,500 seat arena there, the subject of a public inquiry last year which also considered the CPO.
Last week, Ms Blears rejected Arrowcroft's scheme, which also included homes, offices, a superstore and restaurants, after planning inspector Ava Wood concluded its financial proposals for funding the arena were not convincing enough.
Therefore, today's announcement has not come as a total surprise.
In her letter announcing the decision, Ms Blears said there not enough evidence to persuade her that granting a CPO would make the plan deliverable.
She makes of point of saying that she believes the rival Stanhope/Schroders scheme for homes, offices, a park and a new Warehouse Theatre would achieve many of the regeneration benefits of the Arrowcroft proposals "notwithstanding that it does not include an arena."
Ms Blears ruled there was therefore no "compelling need in the public interest" for the CPO to be granted.
Stanhope/Schroders says the decision has given them the green light to get on with their scheme, which has planning permission.
In a joint statement, William Hill, managing director of Schroders Investment Managers and David Camp, chief executive of Stanhope, said they were delighted at the decision.
They said: "We hope that having fought for years for permission to develop out site, we can now put the tortuous planning history behind us.
"We look forward to early discussions with the council so that we can make a start on our development which we believe will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the rest of Croydon."
The council has always maintained an arena-led scheme would be a one-off opportunity for unparalleled regeneration.
Cllr Tim Pollard, the council's cabinet member for regeneration, said: "We have to acknowledge the decisions are very disappointing.
"At this stage we need time to examine and analyse fully both decision letters but we are determined to maintain our focus on our strategic ambition for the regeneration of our town centre."
It is understood the only way the CPO can be challenged is through a judicial review.
Arrowcroft has still not announced whether it will appeal against the refusal of planning permission.
A spokesman said today the company could not comment on the CPO ruling as they had not seen the decision letter.
13 Comments
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by James Butler, Norbury
Monday, August 11 2008, 1:27AM
“A serious set back for the borough! Again down to the lack of funding!!
Croydon has no landmarks and it is becoming just a Town full of yobs”
by steve, Croydon
Friday, August 08 2008, 5:59AM
“It's funny that so many people now seem suddenly to be in favour of an arena, now that the proposal has been thrown out! And beecee, just because you disagree with someone doesn't make them an idiot...”
by Howard, East Croydon
Thursday, August 07 2008, 10:55PM
“It troubles me for the future of Croydon¿s development that this ruling in effectively means that the council cannot influence what is developed in its own town. It is only the council that can strategically plan for the overall balance of amenities of a town such as the excellent Vision 2020 concept and should have the power to prevent developers ignoring their wishes.
If the council / Arrowcroft do not contest the ruling I urge the council to consider a major arena as part of the Urban Regeneration Vehicle as an addition to the future redevelopment of the Fairfield Halls complex, after all Hazel Blears supported the concept of a major Arena for Croydon but did not support the Arrowcroft proposal that was tabled.”
by beecee, Croydon
Thursday, August 07 2008, 7:19PM
“I always thought this Blears
woman was an idiot,and she
has now confirmed it with this
stupid decision.A wonderful
opportunity has been thrown
away.”
by Fluffy, East Croydon
Thursday, August 07 2008, 4:01PM
“Isn't it interesting that, like the Council, Mr Clark doesn't live in the East Croydon area and wouldn't have been inconvenienced in the slightest by the chaos to parking / streets / transport that the new arena would have brought. This is fantastic news for proper CROYDON residents and a poke in the eye for Councillor Fisher's arrogance and blindsiding of residents' views. Here's to a new Warehouse Theatre and no more of these harebrained schemes - not least because I am sure this has cost the council a pretty penny.
No doubt there'll be a hike in Council Tax to pay for it. Crazy.”
by James Clark, Caterham
Thursday, August 07 2008, 2:31PM
“What is wrong with people? Croydon was trying to do something original, the arena was going to be the first of its kind in the world! And now its going to be turned into offices and houses, well thats what croydon needs! hasnt got enough of them already. The council were looking to do something original and it has been knocked back from the top.
This is just another example of how much power big business has on goverment.”
by downANDout, Croydon
Thursday, August 07 2008, 1:11PM
“Totally agree with you Gary. Regarding the florist, surely its a health and safety issue?
I'm happy the arena isnt being built but I would have liked to see a smaller music venue built, similar to Brixton or the Astoria.”
by Gary Y, Croydon
Thursday, August 07 2008, 12:19PM
“East Croydon Station is lethal. There is such a small space for commuters to squeeze through at the barriers. The staff seem oblivious to the dangers & the police seem to like conducting stop & search right in the middle of it. Add the florist blocking the path between the main entrance & the fenced off tram stop and the general mentality of 99% of commuters (get to the barrier & fumble around for their pass rather than a little preparation), holding everyone up & we will have a serious incident very soon. The station needs to be knocked down & rebuilt. Maybe the land available next to it could be used to increase entrance & exit points with some nice parkland next to it. We need to ensure that the land is used to benefit Croydon & be very careful not to create new space for idiots & thugs to congregate & intimidate the good people of Croydon. Maybe the owners of the land & the councillers should visit some local areas to get ideas & act in the best interest of the community rather than stacking the land full of buildings that will eventually make a huge profit for them via sales revenue and ongoing tax collections.
Give me a reason to continue living in Croydon. After living there all my life, I am two steps away from leaving.
Oh, if any police officers that stand around at the station are reading this, the scruffy looking bloke who frequents the area by the main entrance of the staion asking everyone for their travelcards, needs to be arrested. He likes to break to law!!!! Just in case you have not noticed him.”
by Robert Burch, Croydon
Thursday, August 07 2008, 11:54AM
“"Planning" and "East Croydon Station" in the same sentence is a very novel idea.”
by Steve, Croydon
Thursday, August 07 2008, 11:52AM
“Look forward to work on the Stanhope/Schroders scheme starting soon. Good news for the Warehouse Theatre. Agree with "Wotan" in that passenger flows at E. Croydon are at times bordering on the dangeroous - what needs to be done urgently is to "design out" the ability for people to run dangerously for trains, often knocking people out of the way. Escalators may be the answer in the long term but using the subway and a one-way system may be a short-term fix.”