High Hopes for Menta Scheme

Menta’s proposals for the comprehensive regeneration of Cherry Orchard Road will be "good for business", says South London Business Chief Executive Peter Pledger.

Mr Pledger will be hosting a reception on the 29 June for members of South London Business, at which Craig Marks of Menta will spell out the benefits to business of the scheme.

It is the second business-based event of the week for Mr Marks. On the 28 June he addressed the Croydon members of Constructing Excellence at Croydon College.

“Menta’s proposals for Cherry Orchard Road will not only kick-start the regeneration of the area around East Croydon Railway Station, bringing benefits both for people who live in Addiscombe and the thousands of people who use the station every day”, he explained. “But will also boost business in Croydon as a whole.”

Although the proposed scheme is residential-led, it includes space for business both as part of the hotel which will incorporate a ‘touchdown’ centre for local businesses and entrepreneurs; and in a dedicated office building on Billinton Hill, above a re-provided Porter and Sorter public house and restaurant.

“The building on Billinton Hill will provide spaces for successful small and medium sized business which do not require large office floor plates, but smaller more flexible accommodation,” stated Marks.

However Menta asserts that it is the ‘ripple’ effect of the development that will bring the most business benefit. In particular, the 54-storey residential tower proposed as part of the scheme will signal Croydon’s confidence in the future of the borough, achieving landmark status and putting Croydon firmly back on the South London map. “We need look no further than The Shard to see how high quality architecture can contribute to an area’s wider regeneration,” said Marks.

Peter Pledger of South London Business is particularly pleased that the development will improve the passenger and visitor experience at East Croydon Station.

“South London Business has long been concerned that passengers arriving at East Croydon Railway Station are greeted with a vision of run down public spaces and deserted buildings,” he says. “This does not give a good impression to those who are thinking of relocating their business to Croydon and makes it very difficult for us to persuade visitors that Croydon is a good investment. It also has a detrimental impact on property values across the borough. We believe that the Menta scheme, including the proposed 54-storey landmark residential tower, will create a much stronger ‘sense of place’ for Croydon from the minute the visitor arrives.”

The scheme will be considered by Croydon’s Strategic Planning Committee next month.