Rick Mather Architects have been developing a scheme for the creation of London's largest independent underground gallery in Croydon. The 2,000m2 gallery forms part of the wider £750 million Fairfield Halls and College Green regeneration which will see the area transformed into a new arts and education quarter.

The underground gallery, which will be located in a subterranean car park beneath College Green, will be accessed by a new glazed cloister being created as part of the refurbishment of the halls. The design will feature a large bespoke frameless rooflight providing light into the basement art space. It will be a striking new urban space to accommodate a strong arts programme and facilitate a range of cultural and community activities.

The space will offer the kinds of environmental and light control suitable for visiting exhibitions, loans and displays, as well as providing space for transit, storage, conservation and preparation of material.

Councillor Timothy Godfrey, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said: 'In creating what could be the biggest underground gallery in London, Croydon Council aims to build on the success of the growing urban arts scene within Croydon and provide a flexible facility that will support a variety of community groups and arts events. This adds an important dimension to the £30 million restoration and refurbishment of the Fairfield Halls, widening the future artistic offer significantly.'