Cairo Place, London
Client: Guildhouse
Role: RIBA Adviser and design architect
S Williams Architects, in collaboration with Atomik Architects, were commissioned to deliver the design for Cairo Place—a £20 million residential-led development in the heart of central Croydon. The scheme comprises approximately 113 thoughtfully designed one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, complemented by a small retail unit, integrated parking, and an enhanced public realm.
The design responds with sensitivity to its rich context, which includes locally listed buildings, Croydon Minster, and the surrounding Old Town conservation area. The building steps in height to harmonise with its setting—rising four storeys along Cairo New Road in response to nearby terraced housing, and culminating in a 14-storey element at the heart of the site.
Situated on the edge of the Croydon Opportunity Area, the site plays a key role in helping to meet the Borough’s housing targets. More than just a residential development, Cairo Place serves as a gateway to the centre of Croydon, knitting together the historic and contemporary urban fabric.
The proposals enhance the townscape, improve the legibility of the area, and create a strong sense of place. Central to the design is a significantly upgraded public realm, including a new public square fronting Reeves Corner. This civic space opens up and celebrates the adjacent, historic Mission Hall, offering a new appreciation of its architectural heritage.
Sarah Williams and the team worked closely with Croydon’s Placemaking Team throughout the design process. A series of collaborative workshops and planning committee presentations ensured the scheme evolved with broad support and local insight. Planning permission was granted in December 2016 and Sarah was subsequently retained by the subsequent housing association client to guide the project through the planning condition approvals—ensuring the original design quality was fully realised in the built outcome. The building is now complete.
“I have to say that I have been very impressed by Sarah Williams and Atomik architects on this scheme. They have been professional, imaginative, thoughtful, pragmatic, positive, open-minded, polite, willing to test new ideas but also to stand their ground and have been responsive to changing circumstances. Rare! I hope they will continue to be involved through the more detailed stages and through to completion of the scheme on site.”
Vincent Lacovara, Head of Place-Making, London Borough of Croydon
