HTA gains planning approval for 447 build to rent homes in Croydon

Croydon Council has approved HTA and Amro Partners plans for the transformation of the redundant Croydon Park Hotel into a new Build to Rent scheme. ‘Botanical House’ will deliver 447 new one, two and three-bedroom rental homes, targeting young professionals and families, alongside shared facilities including a roof terrace, gym/wellness centre, cinema room, communal lounge areas, outside play area and co-working spaces. A total of 20% of the apartments will be designated as affordable, available to tenants at below market value via Discounted Market Rent and London Living Rent.

The scheme comprises two adjacent structures connected through a central communal entrance. Key to the design was a cohesive strategy for colour, materiality, grid and componentry, using a variety of terracotta finishes. Although at contrasting heights, the tower and mansion block share a consistent language in the façade design and materiality, while the crown of the tower establishes a distinct identity.

HTA’s proposals include landscaped amenity spaces for residents as well as enhancements to the streetscape, with extensive new planting as well as improved connectivity within the surrounding area. A significant 51% biodiversity net gain will be achieved through the creation of a large, communal landscaped garden, 50% soft landscaping and the addition of 45 newly planted trees and green street frontages, retaining existing street trees.

The basement and ground floor slab of the original hotel building will be retained to save embodied carbon and minimise demolition and subsequent waste on site. In line with Amro’s Net Zero Carbon 2025 pledge, the project will be the first in Croydon to achieve the highest possible sustainability standards including BREEAM ‘Outstanding rating, Fitwel3* certification and WiredScore Platinum – the global digital connectivity and smart technology certification.

Simon Toplis, Partner at HTA Design said: ‘We’re proud to continue delivering quality homes in Croydon, having worked in the borough for more than 10 years. Key to this project has been working very closely with the council and Amro to ensure the redevelopment not only creates a great place to live for the residents, but also the wider neighbourhood to enjoy. In line with the council’s ambitions for the regeneration of Croydon Town Centre as an Opportunity Area and Metropolitan Town Centre, this project will see vacant brownfield land revitalised with quality homes, landscaping and enhanced public realm with excellent transportation access”.

Raj Kotecha, Chairman and CEO of Amro Partners, said: “With planning permission secured, we look forward to starting work delivering this exemplar Build to Rent project in the beating heart of Croydon. We are already working closely with the local community to deliver an exceptional new building which not only sets a new bar in terms of sustainability but makes a significant contribution to meeting high demand for quality rental homes in the borough.”