“The rough diamond of Norwood” Javier Pes

South Norwood Library as we know it, first opened its doors in 1968 and has remained synonymous with the area ever since.

For over 100 years the site has been home to a library, but Croydon Borough architect Hugh Lea designed this modern brutalist building as a purpose-built library with input from Croydon's Chief Librarian and team and as Bridget Cherry, former editor of the ‘Pevsner Architectural’ guides, remembers, “it caused quite an impact in the street” when it was built.

Sadly however, in May 2021 it was announced that a new, smaller and much more expensive library building will open near Norwood Junction station and operate a reduced service. This is due to huge financial debts of the council and means our much loved brutalist library building is likely to be sold to developers and is under threat of demolition. 

We strongly agree with Oliver Elser, curator at the Deutsches Architekturmuseum (DAM) in Frankfurt/Main, who said that “In our experience, when these buildings are demolished, whatever replaces them is never an improvement.” 

In November 2022 the Mayor of Croydon Council Jason Perry announced that after listening to South Norwood residents, conservationists and architectural experts who have championed for protection and preservation of this outstanding and much-loved building he was committed to protecting it. We feel that the building has significant cultural, historical and sentimental value and are pleased that our council are pledging to protect this community asset. 

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