The striking Zodiac complex in Croydon’s London Road is undergoing redevelopment in several phases. The first phase, now completed, is an ambitious re-use project that has transformed the neglected commercial floors into 73 low-carbon emergency homes.

The mixed-use complex was designed by London architect William H. Robbins, and constructed in 1964-6 — with at least two phases of later additions. It comprises a site-wide lower level car park, three office floors, an eight-storey residential tower, a three-storey nightclub, a restaurant in a former petrol station, and single-storey retail units with basements. The offices are thought to have been out of use for around 25 years.

Instead of proposing demolition, developer Common Projects and architect shedkm repurposed the commercial areas — a carbon emissions saving equivalent to planting 120,000 trees. The scheme integrates local amenity, courtyards and social spaces, and reimagines the derelict forecourt as a community garden.

The structure is concrete frame, with in situ concrete beams supporting clay hollow pot floors — changing to waffle slabs in exposed areas. The cladding is precast. Preliminary work included structural and change-of-use load change assessments, recommendations for repairs to the superstructure and a fire strategy. In supporting the main works, we acted as ‘detectives’ — for example, creating ‘heat maps’ showing where openings could be most easily made, and locating the best places to put services and heavy items. Adequate access was ensured and the existing cores adapted.

In 2025, Zodiac was acquired by Croydon Council to provide temporary accommodation for local families and individuals facing homelessness. Once the project was completed, it was fully occupied in two weeks, demonstrating that repurposing empty or underused office buildings is a viable solution to helping local authorities ease emergency housing pressures.