Industrial History
The opening of Purley Way attracted industry to the area and it became the main industrial area of Croydon. Industry attracted to the area included Redwing Aircraft Ltd, Trojan Ltd (car manufacturers) and Tizer Ltd. There were also several metal companies including Standard Steel Co, Croydon Foundry Ltd, Metal Propellers Ltd and Southern Foundries Ltd.
Croydon 'B' Power Station, with architecture designed by Robert Atkinson, was built in the late 1940s and opened in 1950. It shut down in 1984, was demolished in 1991 and an IKEA store was opened on its site. Its immediate surroundings were developed as the Valley Park Retail and Leisure Complex. The large chimneys of the power station were retained as a local landmark, which can be seen from Central Croydon's Centrale Shopping Centre.
Croydon 'A' power station and the Croydon Gas Works were also on the Purley way. The cooling towers of the gas works were huge, and have featured in films including Terry Gilliam's Brazil (1985).
Croydon Airport (operational 1928–1959) was also located on Purley Way.
Read more about this topic: Purley Way
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