A 150,000sq m scheme by Foster & Partners now looks likely to be built at south London’s Croydon Gateway site after communities secretary Hazel Blears effectively ruled out rival plans by Michael Aukett Architects.

Following a decade-long battle over the regeneration of the 5ha site, Blears dismissed the possibility of a 12,500-seat arena — an integral part of Aukett’s council-backed mixed use plans for developer Arrowcroft.

The decision, which follows a nine-week public inquiry into the proposal last year, leaves the way open for joint venture Stanhope & Schroders, who own the site and have planning permission for their Foster & Partners-designed proposal including flats, offices, retail and a theatre.

In a statement released last Thursday, Blears said she had doubts the Arrowcroft plans were financially sound and was therefore not “reasonably assured” the arena would be delivered. Without the arena, she said, there were question marks over the plan’s “transforming” potential.

Both Fosters and Michael Aukett Architects refused to comment but Will Alsop, who has been working up concept designs for the wider Croydon area for the council, urged the local authority to move quickly in light of the decision.

“It is very important to Croydon that a project does emerge on that site as quickly as possible,” he said.

An Arrowcroft spokesman said: “We will need to consider the reasons for the… decision very closely before we can determine our options moving forward.”

However, the joint venture still face further challenges as Arrowcroft may appeal. Blears also delayed announcing a verdict on whether the council should be granted a compulsory purchase order on the site.


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