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The small South London town of Purley could be in store for a big change if development plans by Thornsett Group are approved. The developer submitted a detailed scheme for a block of buildings ranging three to 17 storeys in height, including the only highrise in the city. Mosaic Place would be located on a current brownfield site fronting Russell Hill Road between Russell Hill Parade and Brighton Road.
The 114-unit tower would include new space for Purley Baptist Church, which has been trying to redevelop the site since 1999. The 1908-built facility where the place of worship currently operates will be demolished once the contemporary building is completed. Proctor & Matthews Architects envision the entrance to the church and community facility doubling as a public plaza, with a potential shop or cafe activating the open space. The southern end of the property could host 106 residential units across a volume of between three and eight storeys.
Although the local plan for the London Borough of Croydon permits a tall tower for this site — the only plot in the town where it would be possible — the proposal has attracted criticism from members of the community. Among their concerns is the height of the development, which would be about three times higher than any other building in Purley. The church and Thornsett would need to pay a community infrastructure levy in addition to the provision of 18 percent affordable housing if plans are approved.
Vacant since 2010, the property was submitted as a potential redevelopment candidate in 2006, when the church sought planning permission for a six-storey structure. In 2015, the church announced the proposed block would need to climb at least 16 storeys to be financially viable. Purley Baptist hopes the development will commence early next year.
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