A group of artists hope to use street art to transform part of the town centre into a new cultural quarter.

Kevin Zuchowski-Morrison, of Recherche Art group and Lee Button of Incandescent Artists, are aiming to transform St Georges Walk, Park Street and Katherine Street through dozens of murals painted on walls.

Street Art has been made famous by the likes of Banksy - and it is hoped the murals will attract artists, trendy cafes and businesses to the area- rebranding it as the Arts Hub of the town.

Mr Button and Mr Zuchowski-Morrison want to run a three day arts festival, Rise Croydon, in which three streets are transformed with at least 60 murals that will then remain for the year.

They are in talks with Legal and General, the owners of the Nestle building, about painting the north side of it to create one of the largest pieces of exterior art in the UK.

The aim is to have the festival as an annual event, with more street art produced each year.

Segas House, a disused building on Katherine Street, would also be used as a gallery area.

Croydon Council, businesses and landlords in the area are supporting the project.

Mr Zuchowski-Morrison, 33, from Purley, said they want to leave a long term legacy for the people of Croydon and they hope new businesses could be attracted to the area.

St Georges Walk and the surrounding area has long been lamented for having a lack of investment with businesses saying the area does not attract customers any more.

But the two organiser hope they can use art to galvanise interest in the area.

The pair are taking advice from Tom ‘Inkie’ Bingle who was the brains behind a similar project in Bristol called ‘See No Evil’ which ran in 2011 and 2012.

They are also using art showcased in Melbourne, known as the Melbourne Lanes, as an example of how an arts projects can rejuvenate an area.

Noor Bridgeland, owner of Onyx Accessories in St George’s Walk, said the project would be a huge boost for the area.

She said: "It is a fantastic idea. Everyone here is behind it. I am so excited and so happy. It will bring footfall to the area and hopefully this area could become the cultural quarter of Croydon."

Councillor Vidhi Mohan, cabinet member for communities and economic development, said the unique project was another example of how Croydon residents are working together to drive economic growth and raise the profile of the borough.