Ashburton Hall will re-open early next month after undergoing a "major modernisation" project which saw the building refurbished.

More than 60 artists from around town have already put their names forward to be part of the launch event, which will take place on December 8 to coincide with the Winter Wonderland and Cronx Brewery beer festivals taking place in the park and the hall.

Councillor Timothy Godfrey said: “This is fantastic news for everyone in the local area. Ashburton Hall will soon be returned to its rightful place at the heart of the community after this major investment by the council.

"We committed to delivering on this project right from the outset, and the future of the hall is now secured for generations to come.”

South Norwood company Deshi Arts - a shared parternship between Devaki Thomas and Shuba Rao - will initially be in charge of the bookings, until GLL takes over in March 2018.

Ms Rao was looking forward to injecting some energy back into the community.

“We both share the council’s vision to create a community arts hub in Ashburton Hall that will add to the growing buzz in Croydon as a front-runner for the title of London Borough of Culture," he said.

"We’re thrilled to embark on this exciting endeavour, and delighted to be able to share our skills and experience to provide a creative space for the local community.”