Turf plays a vital role in sustaining Croydon’s creative life — providing rare, affordable space for artists to develop their practice, connect with communities, and contribute to the cultural identity of the borough. At a time when creative spaces in Croydon are under constant threat from development, the potential loss of spaces like Turf would be deeply damaging to artists, audiences, and community organisations alike. For Club Soda, Turf is not just a partner but a vital home. We deliver key parts of our work from the space, including sessions with our DJs and Media Team, supporting learning-disabled and neurodivergent creatives to develop skills, confidence and visibility. If Turf were forced to close or relocate at short notice, Club Soda would also lose a valued, affordable and accessible base, and would face the same urgent challenge of finding a suitable alternative — something that is increasingly difficult in Croydon. As a disability-led organisation rooted in the borough, we know first-hand how essential stable, accessible creative infrastructure is — particularly for communities who already face significant barriers to participation. There is a severe lack of affordable long-term space and sustainable funding to support the survival of Croydon’s arts ecology, which is continually under pressure from redevelopment. We strongly support Turf’s ambition to secure a permanent, accessible and sustainable base that is embedded in the local community. The Turf team have consistently demonstrated their vision, resilience and ability to deliver meaningful impact. Securing a long-term home would not only protect artists and organisations currently based there, but would create a lasting cultural asset for Croydon — enabling creative communities to continue to grow, connect and thrive.

I strongly support Turf’s ambition to create a permanent base that is accessible, sustainable, and deeply rooted in the community. From my own experience, Turf forms an essential part of Croydon’s cultural life and has created a space where people from all backgrounds are genuinely welcomed, supported, and valued. What I find most powerful about Turf is the real care they show for their members and the wider community. Turf doesn’t just talk about diversity - it actively practices it, creating an environment where people feel safe to learn, experiment, and grow, regardless of their background or circumstances. Turf has played an important role in supporting artists at all stages, while also bringing people together and fostering a strong sense of connection and belonging. I believe the Permaculture project will provide a vital long-term home that allows this work to continue and expand. Having seen the commitment, integrity, and care of the Turf team first-hand, I truly believe that securing a permanent space will enable them to build something lasting and deeply valuable for Croydon’s communities.

It is of extremely high importance to the local community that Turf Projects secures a permanent base and I am so excited to be a part of making this a reality. The Turf team have already demonstrated that they are extremely capable, they are not only a cultural hub but an asset to the area. Their commitment to social engagement and connecting communities is so vital and has a real impact that is proven through the many lives they have touched in their work and the successful careers of the many artists they have supported. The unique and fantastic events, exhibitions and workshops they produce are of cultural significance on a national scale. I can’t picture Croydon without Turf, the team do so much for the area, they are cherished by locals and they need a long-term home to continue to do this important work. I believe Turf’s PermaCulture project will bring stability and long term positive impact to all, not least the locals to whom Turf is a fundamental part of livelihood.

Turf are a cornerstone of the arts in Croydon - a well-established organisation that works hard to include everyone in their activities, from children to professional artists. At the opening of a recent Moss exhibition, one of the artists told me how his severe epilepsy had been virtually eliminated by taking up art with Turf. They are the first port of call for anyone wanting to find a Croydon artist, increasingly important as many developments now have to provide a public arts strategy to get planning permission. They deserve a secure, accessible home in central Croydon. As far as I know, planning permission for the redevelopment of the Whitgift Centre has not even been applied for. It will be years, not months, before construction work will start. As such, Turf should be given a security of tenure that is measured in years rather than months.