Zodiac retrofits a neglected 1960s office complex in West Croydon into 73 thoughtfully designed homes for Temporary Accommodation, with a new common and recycled timber community pavilion.

Built during the 1960s era of optimism and redevelopment in Croydon, the site had been vacant for 25 years and became a symbol of neglect – a void on the high street described by locals as “grim”, “ugly” and “depressing”. The development has revitalised the area with essential social housing alongside new community facilities and a public park.

The project demonstrates a commercially viable and sustainable retrofit model serving new and existing residents, community groups, and the Council. Quality is prioritised over density, delivering 73 homes compared to a prior 115-unit proposal, with generous layouts exceeding typical temporary accommodation standards.

Zodiac’s impacts reach beyond the homes. Retaining the original fabric saved 3,940 tonnes CO2e of embodied carbon from being released through demolition and prevented a further 2,624 tonnes CO2e that new construction would have generated. The tarmacked forecourt has been transformed into a 1,060m2 public park, restoring Broad Green’s historic ‘village green’ identity. A community pavilion was created by repurposing a CLT marketing suite from another project, demonstrating pioneering material reuse while providing vital community facilities.

Delivered through a 999-year lease to Croydon Council, Zodiac provides a replicable model that directly addresses London’s £5.5m daily temporary accommodation spend. Zodiac has had a lifechanging impact on residents.

“When I walked into the flat it was clean, fresh, new... it’s hard to describe how much better things are for us – and it just doesn’t make sense to have all these empty buildings out there when a place like this can turn someone’s whole life back around.” - Jen, Resident