The housing company behind the first phase of the “Purley skyscraper” project will start work on a new block of flats over the road from the controversial tower this summer.

Another 67 new homes will be built at 11-21 Banstead Road by Optivo Homes.

The £24 million development was approved by Croydon Council in October 2021.

It will be next to Mosaic Place where 220 flats, including many in a 16-storey tower block, will be built.

Phase one of the development, which will see the controversial tower block built, is for 106 flats provided by Optivo.

Ian Hagger, Director of Land and New Business at Optivo, said: “We understand the difference safe, secure and affordable homes can make to people’s lives.

"We’ve a proven track record of building high quality homes in the borough and are pleased to be extending our presence within the Purley area.

“We develop places with people, not profit, in mind and pride ourselves on creating thriving communities.

"We look forward to helping more families in housing need.”

The latest Optivo development will include be built across two six-storey  blocks with a mix of one, two and three bedroom flats. 

It will also include communal gardens and spaces for kids to play.

There will seven disabled car parking spaces provided along with 128 spaces for bicycles with storage on the ground floor of both blocks.

The development will see the demolition of three pairs of semi-detached houses to make way for the new homes and work is expected to be complete at the end of 2024.

Over the road, the first phase of the ‘Purley skyscraper’ development of 106 affordable flats is set to be completed by October 2022.

This is the lower block of the development and the 16-storey tower will be built in the second phase and include 114 flats as well as a new home for the Purley Baptist Church.