The 20th century: a time of wholesale change for Croydon

As one looks out from one of ISLAND's supremely well-appointed apartments to rent in Croydon, as they will be on the completion of construction of this 20-storey tower project in 2015, one is also likely to ponder just what drastic changes the locality has undergone in a relatively short space of time. The early to mid 2010s are proving an extremely exciting time for this sometimes underappreciated part of the capital - but it's hardly the first time it has seen such bold change.

One only has to consider the 20th century, for example, a time when Croydon has seemingly already settled into its role as a key transport hub for the city. The previous century had seen a 23-fold increase in Croydon's population, and its incorporation as a borough and county borough in 1883 and 1889 respectively. It had become a pleasant, leafy suburb adored by the Victorian middle classes, although sweeping changes continued to take hold, the 1890s seeing the widening of the High Street and extensive clearance of the 'Middle Row' slum area as part of the Croydon Improvement scheme.

It took until shortly after World War II for the remaining slums to be cleared, this period also seeing the related rise in population for the isolated new settlement of New Addington, as well as the opening and expansion of such central Croydon stores as Grants, Allders and Kennards. Even the UK's first Sainsbury's self-service shop was established in Croydon. The mid-20th century also saw the decline in importance of Croydon Airport, which was London's main airport until the opening of Heathrow.

Further extensive redevelopment took place in the 1950s and 1960s in response to the area's then-increasing congestion problems. New offices shot up on the horizon, accompanying road schemes were built and the likes of the Fairfield Halls arts centre and Whitgift Centre opened their doors, making Croydon as strong a centre for recreation as it was for business. Then came another wave of significant improvements in the 1990s, when the Croydon Clocktower arts centre was established.

As Croydon left the 20th century behind, it could reflect on no shortage of excitement, and now, the area is undergoing yet another thrilling period of renewal to make it fit for the 21st century challenges ahead. Where better to appreciate such change than from the window of one of ISLAND's simply delightful apartments to rent in Croydon?

Editor’s Note: ISLAND (http://www.islandcroydon.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Make the most of Croydon's well-developed transport links from your ISLAND apartment

Of all of the fine reasons to make Croydon your home, one of the very best is unquestionably the high standard of the town's transport connections, both to the rest of London and other UK destinations. For many generations, people have come to this part of the capital in recognition of the buses, trains and other modes of public transport that have enabled them to get to where they need to go from their accommodation in Croydon - and it's definitely a strong attraction for those considering the ISLAND (http://www.islandcroydon.com) development.

After all, Croydon was the terminus for the world's very first public railway, the horse-drawn Surrey Iron Railway, which from its 1803 opening, ran the 8.5 mile (13.7km) distance from Wandsworth to what is now Reeves Corner. Despite the line's 1846 closure, the modern Tramlink passes over part of its route, giving the present residents of penthouse apartments in Croydon a sense of how life once was when getting around this enthralling town. Other Croydon transport links that have now been lost to history include the 9.5 mile (15.3km) Croydon Canal, not to mention Croydon Airport, once London's main airport, but from which the last scheduled flight departed in September 1959.

Today, those living in penthouses in Croydon could barely ask for somewhere with greater travelling convenience, thanks in large part to East Croydon railway station, the town's largest and busiest. It serves some 80 stations, including those on the London - Gatwick Airport - Brighton line. There are two other railway stations bearing the Croydon name, West Croydon and South Croydon. Those boarding a fast train from East Croydon can expect to reach London Victoria in 15 minutes, or London Bridge in 13 minutes. The borough is also home to several local railway stations.

Some 22 million passengers a year, meanwhile, take advantage of the London Tramlink light rail system, for which Croydon is the main hub. As London's sole tram system, it consists of three lines, serving such destinations as Mitcham, Addiscombe, Woodside and the Purley Way retail and industrial area. There has been talk of extensions to such areas as Crystal Palace and Sutton, so one can only imagine how extensive the system could be in a few years' time, for those presently investing in property for sale in Croydon like ISLAND.

Plus, one can never forget the area's considerable bus networks. Board buses in the area - mostly from West Croydon bus station - for such destinations as Heathrow Airport, West Norwood, Purley, New Addington, Peckham, Lewisham and Elephant and Castle. It's just one more sign of how, for those now taking advantage of such apartments to rent in Croydon as ISLAND (http://www.islandcroydon.com), the area remains an extremely practical place to live, and looks set to become even more so in the years to come.

Editor’s Note: ISLAND (http://www.islandcroydon.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.