Croydon 2020 - Wellesley Road

Wellesley Road

Wellesley Road is an urban dual carriageway dominated by the 1960s underpass and subways; cutting the heart of the town in two with a north-south physical barrier that is difficult to negotiate. The scale of the architecture is dramatic, but pedestrians and public transport are pushed to the edges. The splitting of the town centre causes difficulties in the way central Croydon functions, with a lack of connections between major rail and bus stations, retail areas, office and cultural facilities and poor public access.

Croydon Council is examining the options for improving Croydon's environment, image and functioning including improvements for pedestrians and better access to public transport. Street-level crossings, trees, seating, lighting and kiosks, and a central pedestrian walkway are being considered. In the proposals it is likely that Wellesley Road will remain a main route for trams, buses and cars, possibly incorporating extensions to the Tramlink network. The difference will be that these modes of transport will no longer dominate the space to the detriment of the pedestrian experience and the image of Croydon. There is also an opportunity to simplify and improve the movement of these vehicles. Opportunities exist for improving the ground floors and frontages of the buildings along Wellesley Road, connecting more effectively with their immediate surroundings creating more activity, such as shops and cafés with spill-out spaces. The team of Okra Landscape Architects with Peter Brett Associates, Soundings and Urhahn Urban Design was selected by the Council following an international design competition.

The Wellesley Road area also includes surrounding development sites:

• Saffron Square (formerly known as Wellesley Square) - Berkeley Homes proposes a mixed-use development consisting of a 45 storey tower, 800 new homes, 3000 m² of retail and public realm including a new town square. Planning permission was given in 2008 for the tower, although construction has yet to commence in 2010.
• IYLO - Joint developers Phoenix Logistics and E3 Property's new residential 20 storey tower with ancillary public gardens is planned to become a focal point at the city's northern gateway. This development has full planning. Site clearance has been undertaken.
• Whitgift CentreThe retail development will have a significant impact on the redesign of the road, particularly with regards to servicing and car parking.