CONVERTING the former Nestlé headquarters into new homes will give the area around run-down St George's Walk a new lease of life, it is being claimed.
The vote of confidence came from Charlie Walker, director at Legal & General Property, after the company's scheme to provide 288 homes at St George's House, in Park Lane, was granted permission by the council's strategic planning committee last Thursday.
Permission came less than seven months after the scheme was first presented to the committee as a pre-application inquiry.
The building will be stepped to provide a more attractive skyline.
Five extra storeys will be added to the main tower and three more storeys added to the part of the development fronting Park Street.
The housing scheme comprises 126 one-bedroom, 115 two-bedroom, 25 three-bedroom and 22 studio apartments.
The proposals also include a cafe in Park Street, a residents' amenity area and rooftop garden.
Mr Walker said after the meeting: "The decision marks an important step forward for Croydon and is a strong testament to the hard work we have put in over the past year to ensure that our proposals not only complement the existing qualities of the borough, but contribute to its wider regeneration, enhancing its position as a desirable residential location.
"We believe that not only will this scheme deliver much-needed, high-quality residential accommodation to the very centre of town, but should bring a new lease of life to the area by significantly improving the public realm for residents and visitors to enjoy."
Councillor Jason Perry, the council's cabinet member for planning, regeneration and transport, said the plan fitted in with the council's vision of transforming the town centre.
A start date for the development has not yet been announced.
