Croydon in South London leaves a lot to be desired in terms of Town Planning. Its a bit like a join the dots puzzle without the lines filled in. Things are hopefully to improve though as there is a lot of regeneration proposed for Croydon. Hopefully the urban planning is to be improved and not just new blocks of “Luxury” flats. Despite Croydons downfalls it does have a disparate selection of very interesting buildings from its high rise boom of the 1960’s Here is a selection of my favourites which I will add to over time. Starting with the beautiful Alico House in East Croydon. It was built as an office block, now its been converted into an Easy Hotel. Very nice minimal, angular cast concrete panel facade. Looking like a concrete Jack in the box. A real little gem. By Biscoe & Stanton Architects 1961-1963.

Alico House

Alico House

Alico house

Alico House

Alico House & No1 Croydon

No 1 Croydon, outside Croydon East station, formerly the NTL Tower. By Richard Seifert and partners 1970. Great modelled exterior which gave it one of its nick names the 50 pence building. 24 stories, concrete construction with mosaic tile finish. It's an office block but always thought it looks more residential. Would surely make a great conversion to flats, all those ledges could possibly make great balconies. Seifert was a very busy architect in the 60s, one of his most famous buildings being Centre Point which has recently been converted to flats.

No1 Croydon

No1 Croydon

Corinthian House by Richard Seifert and partners, completed 1965. Trademark Seifert, Great V shaped concrete Piloti clad in mosaic tiles and a very impressive long cantilevered canopy over the main entrance. all original windows. The building overall is in excellent original condition. Siefert was a very busy man in the 1960’s

Corrinthian House

Corrinthian House.

Amp House, dated 1968. 11 storey building with nice concrete chevron panels at first floor which house an integrated carpark. Upper floors colourfully clad in green mosaic tiles and what looks like stainless steel, has weathered well. Tinted reflective glazing. Great glass clad external staircases to each end of the block. A surprising large concrete relief over the main entrance depicts a futuristic Atomic Age family. Its called Amicus and apparently by an Australian artist.

Amp House.

Amicus, relief.