Amro introduces 8ft giraffe Tutti Frutti

Posted 08th June 2023

Build to Rent specialist Amro Partners is supporting Croydon’s highly anticipated public art event ‘Croydon Stands Tall’ by sponsoring Tutti Frutti, an 8ft tall giraffe sculpture designed by pattern and textile artist Lucy Hebden.

Croydon Stands Tall, a 10-week art trail led by Croydon BID in partnership with Wild In Art, will see a herd of 30 giant giraffes popping up across the town centre, each hand decorated by an artist in celebration of Croydon’s extraordinary heritage and cultural diversity. The event will bring the town centre to life, involving people from all communities, attracting visitors and driving footfall, whilst raising funds to support homelessness charity Crisis and the Croydon Skylight Centre.

Artist Lucy Hebden, known for her floral and botanical inspired patterns and prints, has chosen a design inspired by the fruit and veg stalls of Croydon’s lively Surrey Street Market for Tutti Frutti, which will be unveiled when the trail launches on 21st August. In addition to the main trail, local schools and youth groups are busy creating their own herd of 4ft baby giraffe sculptures which will form a secondary trail across Croydon’s civic centres, libraries and shops.

Tom Donnachie, MD, UK Investment at Amro Partners, said: “Croydon Stands Tall is a brilliant initiative that will bring colour and excitement to the streets of Croydon this summer and engage residents across the borough. As we look forward to starting work on the creation of Botanical House, setting a new standard for sustainable and inclusive rental housing in the town, we’re pleased to be supporting this project as part of our long-term commitment to the Croydon community.”

Matthew Sims, CEO, Croydon Business Improvement District (BID), said: “We are delighted to welcome Amro Partners as an official giraffe sponsor of Croydon Stands Tall; an epic 10-week event that not only celebrates the creative spirit and diverse talents of Croydon, but also supports our charity partner Crisis Croydon Skylight. Amro Partners have shown continuously their desire and commitment to add value and support our community and for that we are very grateful.”

Botanical House is scheduled to open in 2026, delivering 455 new rental homes to Croydon, suitable for single people through to families. It will be one of the most environmentally friendly new buildings in the UK, using many of the materials from the existing Croydon Park Hotel building, enhancing the streetscape and creating a significant biodiversity net gain. Approximately half of the site area will be landscaped with a courtyard garden, children’s play area, extensive tree planting and upgrades to the street and pavements.

Amro is already working with young people in Croydon through local charity Legacy Youth Zone, to decide the purpose and design of a new 83 sqm shared community space on Altyre Road, as part of lasting legacy for local people.