The developers of a 45-storey tower block planned for the centre of Croydon have showcased the designs in the Far East as an example of striking modern architecture.

Delegates at the Colliers International exhibition in Hong Kong's Mandarin Hotel had the chance to run the rule over Berkeley Homes' Saffron Square scheme, which has been on hold since 2007 because of the slump in the housing market.

Work has finally started on the 700-home development, which will also bring shops, restaurants, offices and a gym to the 4,000 sq m site in Wellesley Road.

The centrepiece tower will be clad in "muted tones of pink and mauve" upon completion, with the whole square expected to be finished in phases between 2013 and 2015.

An agreement with Croydon Council means much of the developer's quota of affordable housing will be delivered elsewhere, a sticking point which had previously held up construction at the site.