Secret Cinema founder announces plan to take over empty Croydon department store

The founder of Secret Cinema says “the future of art is in the high street” as he announced plans to turn an empty department store in Croydon into an arts center and venue.

Fabian Riggall has taken over the historic Allders building to launch his new project called LOST, which aims to regenerate rundown streets and shops into arts and entertainment districts.

The entrepreneur, whose Secret Cinema events attract thousands to immersive screenings of classics such as Dirty Dancing, has teamed up with Croydon Partnership and Croydon Council as part of their masterplan to regenerate the south London town.

He said: “LOST is a group of artists, thinkers and creators looking to take over former retail centers around the world to design new cultural districts that will become LOST CITY.

“We will present new forms of art and entertainment alongside reinvented retail experiences. To be lost is to lose yourself in art, beyond digital culture, where we can connect in the real world, in deeper and more meaningful stories.

“The future of art is on the street, in department stores, in stores where we can experience new ideas while connecting in real life with real people. We are delighted to be working with the local community to develop a rich and diverse programme, also hosting artists from around the world. We will also be working closely with Croydon Partnership and Croydon Council as we develop our first lost neighborhood at Allders, the beautiful former department store. We encourage all artists who would like to get involved to get in touch.”

Created in 2007, Secret Cinema brought film screenings to abandoned buildings in London and combines film, music, art, theater and dance.

Allders dates back to 1862 when Joseph Allder opened his first store in Croydon and the firm has grown from strength to strength in the 20th century, with the Croydon store becoming a South London landmark and the firm owning department stores across the country until its decline and eventual closure in 2013.

Croydon will be London’s Quarter of Culture next year, with local artists joining international talent to stage 12 months of events celebrating the area.