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zodiac

restoring an icon and creating a common for broad green

Zodiac House is the transformation of a worn-out, concrete 1960s complex in the Broad Green area of West Croydon into 73 thoughtfully designed, environmentally responsible homes, grounded in an existing and thriving community. 

This high-profile redevelopment spans two acres and will breathe new life into a landmark collection of modernist buildings, made famous as the setting for the cult TV sitcom Peep Show. The project aims to redefine the heart of Broad Green, creating a new common and offering vital community facilities. 

The existing four-floor office block of Zodiac Court has stood empty for over 30 years, while the residential tower has suffered from years of neglect. This disrepair has significantly impacted Broad Green, but the underlying qualities of the neighbourhood remain strong: it is a bustling, well-serviced area, closely connected to West Croydon Station. The challenge faced by developers and architects has been to deliver a commercially viable development that serves both new and existing residents, local community groups, and business owners, all within the framework of the site’s unique architectural heritage.

In recognition of the positive regeneration potential of Zodiac House, Homes England – the UK government’s housing and regeneration agency – has provided development finance for the project, with Common Projects taking on the development. 

Client:

Common Projects

Location:

Croydon

Size:

4,431 m

Contract value:

£11 million

Status:

In progress

re-imagination and reuse

Rather than opting for demolition, with its associated environmental impact, shedkm has adopted an innovative approach by upgrading the empty office block into 73 new homes. By repurposing existing buildings, the project saves the equivalent carbon of planting 120,000 trees. The design cleverly integrates shops, courtyards, and shared social spaces. The ambitious redevelopment also includes transforming a large, derelict forecourt into a vibrant community garden, complete with a public pavilion and a new café. This carefully crafted intervention is the first phase of Zodiac’s revival, grounded in a commitment to sustainability and community connection.

A potential second phase could see the transformation of the adjacent former dancehall, later known as Cinatra’s nightclub, into a mixed-use development, expanding the reach of this revitalisation effort.

the shedkm approach

shedkm are renowned for its people-first, socially responsive design approach, bringing vibrancy, long-term social value, and sustainability to neighbourhoods. At Zodiac, we’ve applied our experience in reusing structures, fostering community connections, and delivering architecture that benefits both people and the planet. Zodiac will create a new green space for Croydon residents to enjoy and reanimate the existing architecture through thoughtful design, proving that even modernist landmarks can be sensitively restored to serve present and future communities.

In line with the strategy to reuse existing resources, a timber pavilion – initially designed by shedkm for Urban Splash in Cambridge – will find a new purpose at Zodiac House as a community café. Once intended as a marketing suite, the pavilion will now serve as a central community space, reflecting our commitment to sustainable reuse.

Zodiac is not just a redevelopment; it’s a regeneration – a way to breathe new life into Broad Green, providing much-needed homes, spaces, and green areas while respecting the architectural heritage and community spirit of West Croydon.