Firstly I and my colleges are against an arena being built we are all of the oppenion that a conference and exhibition centre would be more appropreate...as it would bring people from all over the UK and the world to Croydon who would in turn enhance and make use of the croydon inferstructure..i.e. Hotels retail shops, and eateries throughout the town...
as we are at the hart of the hub of south london and the transoprt inferstructure.etc etc etc

There's so many immigrants here the ground woulb be better named 'Sangatta Place.'

With reference to the above comment, maybe "Redskin Square", in recognition of all the Indians? ;-)

I have to admit that I really don't care what it is called - I just want to see work on it started.

As for which option is taken, I don't particularly like the Schroders option as it is essentially just more housing and office blocks. Not really something to improve the name of Croydon. The arena could be a disaster, or it could be an amazing success. If it was the latter it would do wonders for the name of Croydon and bring money to the area.

Croyboy wrote:
With reference to the above comment, maybe "Redskin Square", in recognition of all the Indians? ;-)

As an ex-pat Yemeni I find that suggestion very amusing Croyboy :))

The proponents of "Ruskin Square" may not be aware of his hatred of railways and in particular railway stations. The proponents of an Arean might consider his dictum "pride is a the bottom of all great mistakes"

A welcome an inspiring choice for all of us. Although David is right in terms of its economic outputs (housing and offices) it does also have a large open park, a new health centre and a new home for the Warehouse Theatre. Developments are about balance. This development will bring or retain jobs, provide good quality homes as well as enhancing the Arts scene in Croydon. All good stuff!

We have a "Gateway to India" in Birmingham perhaps Croydon could have one too.
One too many arena's. Crystal Palace is just down the road, no Housing is a better option.

Having had an opportunity to view the architects model in the Whitgift Centre and spoken with the Ruskin Square representatives, this proposal seems to be an ideal choice. The importance of the Warehouse Theatre has been fully recognised and incorporated into the design. The work will be undertaken in stages to minimise disruption and includes funding to optimise East Croydon Station. The project aims to create an environment in which people would want to relocate to and work in. The offices will offer design features that business managers will be looking for. Many of Croydon's available offices remain empty because they are simply too old fashioned. Ruskin Square offers shopping facilities intended to support the local residents, so the Whitgift and Central centres can breath a sigh of relief. A nice touch was the inclusion of a Space for Croydon. This is a highpoint viewing area possibly with a restaurant where the panorama of Croydon can be enjoyed in an unique fashion.
The model had been set up to match the direction of the sun so that approximate cast shadows could be readily seen.And with additional lighting inside the buildings, it became evident how attractive this concept really is especially with it's park area and water feature. Quite why this project has not received the same level of promotion that Croydon Town Planning Officials seem to have afforded the Arrowcroft (White Elephant?) Arena effort, is a mystery to me, especially when one considers that the costs for Ruskin Square will met by the private partners during and after the build. They have already proven themselves by completing similar successful projects.
All in all I think it's a well thought out concept which is both functional and very attractive.