Roundshaw

“Did anyone here ever play a game of ‘spot the concrete cancer’?” I ask, a mischievous glint in my eye. I scan your faces, a mix of amusement and curiosity. “Don’t worry, it’s a relic of the past here at Roundshaw. But back in the 80s and 90s, those concrete buildings that once defined this estate weren’t looking their best.” Roundshaw is a testament to transformation. Built on the grounds of the former Croydon Airport, this estate carries echoes of aviation history within its very street names. Mollison Drive, Lindbergh Road, Avro Way—each a tribute to the pioneers and aircraft that once graced the skies above. Built in the 1960s, Roundshaw originally boasted brutalist concrete flats and maisonettes. However, time, as it often does, revealed the flaws in the design. The concrete deteriorated, leading to the infamous “concrete cancer,” and the maze-like layout, complete with underground garages, became a breeding ground for anti-social behavior. The community, however, is the heart of any place. Recognizing the need for change, the London Borough of Sutton embarked on an ambitious regeneration project. Over a decade, the landscape of Roundshaw was redefined. High-rise blocks disappeared, replaced by low-rise houses and brick-built flats. Refurbished homes, sporting new pitched roofs, breathed fresh life into the estate. This phoenix-like rebirth wasn’t just about bricks and mortar. Roundshaw retains its connection to its airborne past. Visit St. Paul’s Church and you’ll be greeted by a cross crafted from a four-bladed propeller, a gift from the Croydon Airport Society. The spirit of Roundshaw, much like the pioneering spirit of aviation, soared above the challenges. It’s a reminder that even amidst the remnants of the past, a brighter future can take flight.