London Borough of Croydon
The London Borough of Croydon () is a borough within Outer London. It covers an area of 87 km2 (33.6 sq mi) and has a population of 397,741 as of mid-2023, making it one of London's two most populated boroughs (regularly alternating at number one, since 2000, with Barnet). At its centre is the historic town of Croydon, from which the borough takes its name. Other urban centres include Thornton Heath, Coulsdon, Purley, South Norwood, Norbury, New Addington, and Selsdon. Croydon is mentioned in the Domesday Book.
The borough developed from a small market town into what is now a significant business and cultural hub outside central London. Many contributions to entertainment and the arts have helped Croydon gain recognition as a metropolitan centre.
The borough was formed in 1965 from the merger of the County Borough of Croydon with Coulsdon and Purley Urban District (previously in Surrey). The local authority, Croydon London Borough Council, is now part of London Councils, the local government association for Greater London.
One significant factor in the development of Croydon as a business centre was the presence of Croydon Airport, opened in 1920, and once London's primary international airport. It closed on 30 September 1959 due to limited space for expansion. The former lodge to Croydon Airport Terminal is now a Grade II listed building and tourist attraction.
Croydon Council and its predecessor, Croydon Corporation, have applied for city status on multiple occasions, but without success. The area is currently undergoing a major regeneration initiative, Croydon Vision 2020, aimed at attracting more businesses and tourists.
While Croydon is predominantly urban, the borough's southern areas feature suburban and rural landscapes. Since 2003, Croydon has been certified as a Fairtrade borough by the Fairtrade Foundation. It was the first London borough to be awarded Fairtrade status.
The area has a cultural presence in London and South East England and is home to institutions such as the arts and entertainment centre Fairfield Halls. Its famous fringe theatre, the Warehouse Theatre, went into administration in 2012 due to lack of funding and the building was demolished in 2013.
The Croydon Clocktower was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1994 as an arts venue featuring a library and a museum. …