Council and democracy

Opening doors to Croydon's past and present

Residents and visitors to the borough will be able to take a rare peep inside some of the borough's fascinating buildings, many of which are not normally accessible to the public, as part of the capital's largest annual architectural showcase - Open House London.

Buildings that are planning to throw open their doors include:

• Airport House - the Grade II listed 1928 building, in classical Retardaire style, was one of the first purpose-built airport terminal buildings in the world
• Shirley Windmill - the only surviving windmill in the borough. The present brick tower windmill was built in the mid 1850s to replace a post mill destroyed by fire
• an exhibition of Alsop's Third City vision and the Taberner House viewing gallery - the 19-storey tower, constructed for council administration, has amazing views of London and the south east. A display of material relating to Alsop's Third City vision for a £3.5 billion regeneration masterplan, which features a 30-storey 'vertical Eden' project with rainforest vegetation. Urban design and planning officers will be available for questions
• Whitgift Almshouses - Tudor almshouses dating from 1596 and founded by the Archbishop of Canterbury, John Whitgift. Pre-book only.

A walking tour, 'Welcome to SuperCroydon', will take place on the Sunday. The tour will trace Croydon's history after the Second World War when it transformed from a small market town on the outskirts of London to the thriving 20th-century business hub it has become today.

Councillor Steve Hollands, cabinet member for culture and sport, said: "This weekend offers a fantastic chance to delve into Croydon's wonderful and varied architecture at close range. Many of these buildings are not normally accessible to the general public but for one weekend in the year they open their doors to give people a chance to find out more about the fantastic buildings the borough has to offer. This is a great opportunity for a really enjoyable weekend that'll cost nothing and yet teach you about some of our town's long and varied history."

Access to all the buildings and walks is free. The 2008 Open House London guide is available, free of charge, from borough libraries and includes details such as dates, times, entry and access arrangements.

Further information can also be found at www.openhouse.org.uk or by calling the information line on 09001 600 061. Calls will be charged at 60p per minute.