Croydon Council is on track to approve plans this week to convert an old office building that rose to fame in Channel 4’s much-loved sitcom, Peep Showinto temporary accommodation. The 1960s-built Zodiac Court was seen on screen as the home of characters, Mark and Jez (David Mitchell and Robert Webb) – and is now set to be converted into 73 flats to meet the ongoing demand for temporary housing in the borough.
Croydon Council’s proposal involves transforming the former office section of the tower building into self-contained flats (ranging in size from one to three bedroom). They’re aiming to secure a 999-year lease, which – if approved – will significantly ease Croydon’s temporary accommodation shortage. The rest of the building will remain with the freeholder.
According to figures from the council, 3600 households in Croydon are currently living in temporary accommodation. The borough is also under pressure from neighbouring areas, with more and more residents needing to be housed in Croydon, after being unable to find suitable accommodation closer to home. Croydon Council hope that initiatives like the Zodiac Court project will help alleviate the pressure and strain on other temporary accommodation blocks in the borough.
If approved at a cabinet meeting tomorrow (January 22), the project is set to be funded using a combination of the council’s general fund, Right to Buy proceeds, £5.1 million of Local Authority Housing Fund money, and borrowed funds. Croydon Council have assured its residents that the project is financially viable.
