Plans to redevelop Fairfield Halls and College Green have been given the green light by Croydon Council.

The £30m redevelopment plan includes the halls’ refurbishment, the construction of hundreds of homes and the rebuilding of Croydon College.

The planning committee last night voted to approve the plans, which are strongly opposed by opposition councillors.

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The site, which is nicknamed as the Cultural Quarter, covers the area of land inside George Street, Park Lane, Barclay Road, and the Brighton Mainline railway line.

Yesterday’s meeting saw the planning committee approve detailed plans for the first major development phase, which includes the demolition of the multi-storey car park to make way for 218 new homes.

Members also approved the design for the new Fairfield Halls, where a programme of works to strip out and prepare the building for construction has been underway since last summer.

Councillor Alison Butler, cabinet member for homes, regeneration and planning, said: “I’m absolutely delighted this project has been approved.

College Green is a hugely symbolic project for Croydon and crucial to the borough’s overall regeneration and growth ambitions.

“The proposal will revitalise an under-used and tired area, turning it into a vibrant public space and reconnecting it with the rest of the town centre.

“It will also supply much-needed new homes and jobs as well as fantastic arts, leisure and educational facilities. It’s fantastic news for everyone in Croydon.”

The plans also include a 2000 square-metre art gallery, new shops and office space, all with the refurbished Fairfield Halls at its centre.

Earlier this month central Government gave plans a thumbs up, awarding them a £14.2 million cash boost from the Coast to Capital Partnership fund.