Suddenly Croydon has become cool again Kate Moss, trams and trendy bars are the envy of other towns and the subject of national magazine and newspaper features.

Such a renaissance could be crowned by the endowment of city status next year, which appears to be supported by leading community figures and the public. Tom Geoghegan reports.

So to become a city you just need a cathedral, right? Well no, not anymore, thankfully for us.

If Croydon is to be England's winner in the Queen's golden jubilee year, then it has to prove to the Lord Chancellor its prowess in three broad topics; regional significance, historical features including royal connections and a forward-looking attitude.

Cynics may shrug their shoulders and say So what?' because city status does not directly bring any new powers, but experts say there are real economic gains.

Sunderland, which became a city in 1992, reports the creation of 10,000 new jobs as a direct result.

Chris Hughes, chief executive of Croydon Chamber of Commerce, said: "The Chamber is backing the city bid 100 per cent and I hope we have a really good, successful campaign.

"If we do become a city, it will raise our profile and should encourage more inward investment.

And judging by the reaction of people the Guardian spoke to in Croydon town centre last week, most of the public will be giving the campaign their full support too.

Croydon Council will be making a submission to the Lord Chancellor's department before the October deadline, and the drive will be led by former mayor, Councillor Mary Walker.

She said: "Being a historical graduate myself, I feel that Croydon hasn't really been appreciated.

"People who just see lots of tall office blocks think it's a concrete jungle, but that's denying the history of Croydon before. We have to look forward but recognise the past."

Croydon's royal connections are stronger than one may think. Archbishops used to stop at Old Palace on their way from Lambeth to Canterbury, and Elizabeth I stayed here to visit the famous Archbishop John Whitgift.

In the nineteenth century, Addington Palace was used as a home to archbishops and most from that era are buried at St Mary's in Addington Village.

There have also been many visits by the Royals, notably the Queen's in 1995 to open the Clocktower and Prince Charles's love affair with the trams last year.

Croydon's regional significance is demonstrated by its economic importance. It has the headquarters of several major multinational companies such as Nestle and Balfour Beattie.

Coun Walker said the excellent transport links and the quality of life were notable attractions for staff and business chiefs.

The amount of construction in Croydon town centre reflects the urgency with which the town is planning ahead to an exciting future, with several large-scale developments in the pipeline.

She added: "Tramlink has been incredibly successful to Croydon and, looking at my ward in New Addington, it means such a lot to people there.

"Young people were previously discriminated against because there was a perception that you could be on a bus for one-and-a-half hours into Croydon.

"So a lot of part-time workers can now go confidently for a job and say they are coming on a tram."

Community workers and voluntary organisations will be asked to make pledges as part of Croydon's campaign, saying what the town means to them.

And there can be few figures who can command as many community contacts as the former mayor, Coun Walker.

She added: "I hope that I can bring my experience to the campaign. I hope I know enough people who can help, especially those from ethnic minorities.

"That could be one aspect we didn't touch on enough in our last bid."

It is hoped that Croydon's existing status as a London borough will not hamper its chances after all, there are two cities within the capital already: Westminster and the City of London.

Looking at the competing towns, Coun Walker saw nothing for Croydon to fear and said that Luton's high unemployment could count against it or, perversely, win it a "sympathy vote".

Croydon Council leader Hugh Malyan added: "Our bid won't be a hyped up case that exaggerates our plus points and completely overlooks our blemishes. It will, however, do Croydon justice.

It will reflect what we are and what we want to be.

It will reflect that history has shown Croydon to be a place of pioneering importance and has become a place of popular appeal.

It will underline all that is best about our town and show why we deserve to be a city."

November 13, 2001 17:00