The forecourt outside a disused Thornton Heath office block is set to be transformed into space for community events and art.

Croydon council are calling on designers to submit plans to reinvigorate the prominent area in front of Ambassador House, a nine floor building currently being squatted by a collective of artists.

The winner will develop designs for a civic space to host community events and wall art that reflects the local area. The project is backed by £15,000 council funding.

Councillor Paul Scott, cabinet lead for planning and regeneration, said: “Thornton Heath is really going places, and the next step in its ongoing regeneration is this project to transform an underused open space into a vibrant outdoor community and arts venue for local people.

“The winning bid will be able to demonstrate how it has engaged closely with Thornton Heath people to produce an exciting and locally-inspired design, and I look forward to seeing this site being upgraded to benefit the community.”

Since July, Ambassador house been occupied by CR7, a group of artists who want to turn the derelict building into a multi-functioning community centre and hub for local creatives.

CR7 claim they are operating a guardianship, occupying the building legally by ensuring it is maintained and kept secure.

Julian King, 44-year-old Croydon filmmaker, is one of the four original artists who entered the building.

He feels the council's plans are an encouraging sign, and says the group are submitting a design of their own.

"It shows they share a similar mindset in what they want the area to be. We're definitely going to submit something," he said.

"We're not going anywhere until the new year at least. It's up to us to read the council's signals and see what contribution we can make."

The submission deadline is 5pm on January 11 2019. For more information on the project and how to apply, email: zohra.chiheb@croydon.gov.uk