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NEWS MASTERPLAN Plans for Purley masterplan approved
The Croydon Planning Committee have approved plans submitted by developer Polaska, designed by Assael Architecture and landscape architects, Assael Exteriors, and LA Architects for a new leisure centre on the Purley Pool site, incorporating an integrated retirement community, alongside broader plans to regenerate Purley High Street.
Polaska, which holds the long-term lease on the site, presented the application to Croydon Council. The proposal includes a new leisure centre, a later-living housing scheme (comprising 220 homes for independent, assisted and care homes), and a new public square to serve as a focal point for the town centre’s regeneration. The leisure centre will feature a 25-metre, six-lane main pool, a training pool, an 80-station fi tness suite, and studio space. It will also include a new cafe overlooking the training pool, soft play area and the new public square. Assael’s designs for Polaska encompass wider area regeneration, featuring a new public square and enhanced public spaces. The plans also propose an improved pedestrian route connecting Whytecliffe Road South and the High Street to enhance pedestrian connectivity with Purley Station. The planning application was submitted
© Assael Architecture
in 2024, and as well as the leisure centre and integrated retirement community, it includes 10% affordable housing and a public realm strategy “refl ecting the unique character of Purley town centre.” Guided by townscape and environmental analysis, the building heights harmonise with the site’s natural topography, with lower structures fronting the High Street and the new public square. A prominent marker building enhances wayfi nding from Purley Station, marking the new public route leading towards the square, leisure centre, and Purley High Street. The building will feature a meticulously crafted facade,
blending intricate brickwork with pre-cast banded elements. Assael Architecture commented: “Purley High Street showcases an array of detailed brickwork, utilising varying shades of red to create depth and richness. The designs draw inspiration from herringbone patterns and chamfered detailing, celebrating the area’s architectural heritage.”
The proposal was approved by Croydon’s Planning Committee in an 8-2 majority vote in February, and will now go to the Greater London Authority for consideration, as a “referable application,” before a formal decision on the application is issued.
Notts practice Studio G achieves B Corp certifi cation B CORP
Newark-based architecture fi rm Studio G, part of Gusto Group, has achieved B Corp certifi cation. The business is one of the fi rst architecture fi rms in Nottinghamshire to achieve the certifi cation, and only the 65th across the whole of the UK. Studio G is a “highly experienced, client-centred architecture practice, where good quality design is a minimum expectationm,” according to the practice. Putting sustainability “at the heart of every project,” Studio G said that B Corp certifi cation “further demonstrates the practice’s ongoing commitment to environmental, social and governance
(ESG) initiatives.” Edward Acres, principal architect at Studio G says: “Becoming a certifi ed B Corp has been an important yet natural progression for Studio G. Alongside implementing sustainable practices in our design processes, our team dedicates time to projects that benefi t a variety of social groups. “We are incredibly proud of the work we have done so far and are in the perfect position to contribute to the growth and delivery of sustainable housing. I cannot wait to be part of this next phase of growth for Studio G.”
Studio G has been connected to Gusto Group for the last 15 years. The parent company is a “purpose-driven group of B Corp accredited companies” in the manufacturing, construction and architecture sectors, and includes Gusto Construction, Rototek and Studio G. The partnership “grew organically, with Gusto Group investing in the fi rm and using it as its in-house design and architecture practice. Now, Studio G is rejoining the group as an integral part of its structure and one of the three key companies within the Employee Ownership Trust.”
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ADF APRIL 2025
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