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The New Croydon

Jaunty, optimistic look at Croydon being reconstructed in the 1960s, with large concrete towers presented as a symbol of a bright new future.

1963 9 mins

From the collection of:

Logo for London's Screen Archives

Overview

Glorious if bittersweet celebration of Croydon, looking at its history but focussing on the future, epitomised by Prudential House, which is shown being β€œtopped out” by the female mayor. There are superb shots, including the airport, high street, Old Palace and Surrey Street market but also of the exterior and interior of Prudential House. Also has proud scenes of other post-war buildings, with the promise that Croydon would have the best of the old alongside the new.