Construction in Croydon

From the collection of

Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton
Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton collects, preserves, catalogues and provides public access to its collection of films and magic lantern slides. The collection charts the rise of screen culture in the region and the nation and captures many aspects of life, work and creativity in the South East from the late 19th century to the present day. It is available for research, screenings, creative re-use and commercial access.

Construction in Croydon


A unique and amazing record showing old Croydon succumbing to the relentless advance of high-rise office blocks.

This superb record of the transformation of East Croydon bears witness to the impact of change in the urban environment across Britain at the time. We see the terrified little buildings of old Croydon marked out for destruction while high-rise office blocks arise in their place. Streets and thoroughfares are carved up as new underpasses are constructed, yet, despite it all, we see people who live and work in the town still going about their daily business.

This superb record of the transformation of East Croydon bears witness to the impact of change in the urban environment across Britain at the time. We see the terrified little buildings of old Croydon marked out for destruction while high-rise office blocks arise in their place. Streets and thoroughfares are carved up as new underpasses are constructed, yet, despite it all, we see people who live and work in the town still going about their daily business.


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