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Fairfield Halls has reopened following a multi-million pound refurbishment which has restored the iconic Croydon building to its former glory.

The council, in partnership with operators BH Live, will deliver an exciting programme that celebrates Croydon’s diversity. Together, we will create unprecedented opportunities for the community to experience and participate in the arts.

Fairfield Halls reopened 16 September 2019 with two special events:

• Monday 16 September - Ashcroft Playhouse opening by Dame Judi Dench
• Wednesday 18 September London Mozart Players (LMP) - a celebratory gala opening concert, marking their 70th anniversary and the 30th year as Croydon’s resident orchestra.

Autumn highlights

Highlights in autumn 2019 include the Dance Umbrella Takeover, in partnership with the council and London’s leading contemporary dance festival. Angela’s Ashes – The Musical will have its London premier. The much-loved pantomime returns with Cinderella starring Tim Vine, Ore Oduba and Cat Sandion, while a lively programme of live music in the Recreational features Republica, and Grandmaster Flash.

A year-round programme of free entertainments are also available in the Arnhem Foyer during the day. This includes a free lunchtime community choir session and Croydon's Windrush exhibition. 

For more information visit www.fairfield.co.uk

Venue spaces and residents

Spaces at the venue include the world-class Phoenix Concert Hall, Ashcroft Playhouse, Arnhem Foyer and new spaces including The Recreational, Savvy and Talawa studios and the John Whitgift Community Cube.

New companies-in-residence, the UK’s premiere black theatre company Talawa and the inclusive Savvy Theatre Company, will join resident orchestra LMP, and orchestras-in-partnership the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Chineke! Orchestra to offer a diverse mix of entertainment that is truly reflective of Croydon’s community.

For the first time, Fairfield Halls will be a production centre where new work is created, with education at its core. Through initiatives such as the council-led cultural internships programme, the Yamaha Music School and the Phoenix Academy, Fairfield is committed to training the next generations of musicians, actors and theatre leaders, while offering opportunities to all through outreach work.

A new cultural quarter

Croydon Council’s refurbishment of Fairfield Halls is the first phase in the development of a new cultural quarter in Croydon’s town centre – a major milestone in the town’s ongoing regeneration. A new £10 million scheme will provide the perfect setting for the revamped venue with a new public space, linking to landscaping to The Queens Gardens and route from East Croydon.

The £42 million refurbishment of the Halls has been funded by development value from surrounding land, alongside contributions from the Coast to Capital LEP and the Mayor of London’s Creative Enterprise Zone scheme. The award-winning project was delivered by Brick by Brick, the development company established by the council, who led a multidisciplinary project team including MICA Architects and Gleeds.