Croydon Constructing Excellence Club’s first virtual event was a resounding success with over 30 companies registered to attend.

The event opened with a structured networking session that allowed each delegate to give a two-minute overview introduction to their company, and update the group on how their business or area of the industry had been coping with Covid-19.

The productive discussion saw several new connections formed and has already resulted in direct new business for some of those that took part.

The group then saw an informal presentation from London Square about their developments across the capital, and specifically about the new scheme that they have taken over next to West Croydon, St Michael’s Square.

Daren Nathan, partnership director at London Square, explained that they intend to create a stunning new centrepiece for the area, with an attractive public square, shops, cafes and 232 new homes – 55% of which will be affordable.

The one-acre site was acquired from Portman Square Holdings. London Square Partners (London Square’s affordable housing division) will work with Clarion Housing Group to deliver their third scheme together.

Planning has already been secured for the development, designed by Assael Architecture, featuring two handsome brick buildings of 21 storeys and 25 storeys for the residential element, 947m2 of commercial space, with retail and offices at street level and the new piazza opening up views to the listed St Michael and All Angels Church. Pedestrian links will also be created to the station and new shopping centre.

Overall, delegates were grateful for the opportunity to connect in these times and the Club was encouraged to pursue organising virtual events. Michelle French, from CAMA Group Ltd, said that it was ‘a great networking event. In some ways just as useful as an event ITRW (in the real world). I made some really interesting connections and reconnected with some people I knew before.’

David Hogg, of Horizon Imaging, said ‘Really enjoyed the meeting this morning, particularly being given the opportunity to ‘pitch’ to all the attendees, which isn’t something we always get to do during a normal face-to-face meeting. There’s nothing I’d really change about the format of the meeting, I thought it was great!’