Cultural strategy revealed

11:35am Wednesday 29th June 2005

Putting culture at the heart of the community is the focus of Croydon's newly-unveiled cultural strategy.

The document, officially launched on Monday, sets out the council's vision for creating a vibrant cultural quarter in the heart of Croydon and developing the borough's arts, sport and recreational facilities.

Called Be Inspired, the strategy has been drawn up by Croydon's Cultural Partnership, which is made up of representatives from the council and public, private and voluntary organisations.

Monday's launch highlighted future projects as well as showcasing Croydon's diverse and rich mix of cultures, with live performances by Croydon Youth Theatre Organisation, dancers from John Ruskin College and music by Farai Nyandoro, who excelled in last year's talent competition, Testing 123.

Projects on the way include: l The development of a cultural quarter, extending from East Croydon to Old Town, which will include a hub for creative industries and a caf culture l A £1million revamp of the Lifetimes Museum l An ice rink in Queen's Gardens as part of the Park Place scheme, which will include restaurants, shops, cafes and public spaces l The redevelopment of Fairfield Councillor Stuart Collins, who attended the launch at Braithwaite Hall in Croydon Clocktower, said: "This fantastic event showcases what Croydon has to offer culturally and how culture is at the very heart of our community.

"Croydon Cultural Partnership wants to celebrate culture in the borough, further improve what we have and create new and wide ranging opportunities for culture that are accessible to everyone."

Copies of the strategy are available online at www.croydon.gov.uk.

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