Croydon developer Freshwater, advised by Montagu Evans, has been given the go-ahead for the development of a new 175,000 sq ft office scheme opposite East Croydon station.

Plans for the new building on 96-98 George Street, designed by architecture practice Orms, extend to 11 storeys, with a café and office space on the ground and mezzanine floors and offices on the basement and upper floors.

They will deliver a significant increase in office floor space and new retail space, in a highly sustainable and distinctive new building that will help reinforce central Croydon as a key business destination.

A high-level landscape design has been developed to improve College Square and provide an area of the public realm that is accessible to all and provides a welcoming environment for students, office workers, shoppers and the area’s other users. There is also public art provision in partnership with Croydon College.

At the same time, this building will be a highly sustainable development – an energy-efficient building that minimises water and energy usage and incorporates measures to ensure low carbon emissions.

Guy Bransby, Partner at Montagu Evans, said: “Our planning case focused on the need for new, flexible, Grade A office space that is lacking in Croydon, the economic boost to the town centre through the creation of 1,600 jobs, the associated spend on local goods and services, and the creation of a number of apprenticeships.”

More on the story from CoStar and Property Week.