Architect chosen for St Paul’s Cray homes
Published Thursday 5 November 2026
Plans for 123 affordable homes and a new gymnastics centre, plus Christmas lights and local events to book.
Top Updates
Architect chosen for Chipperfield Road homes and gymnastics centre
Bromley Council has chosen Bond Bryan Architects for a £2.22 million contract to design 123 proposed affordable homes and a replacement gymnastics centre on Chipperfield Road, St Paul’s Cray. The award was announced on 22 October, as Bromley Online reported; contract signing has not been confirmed.
The announcement came after the design period in the council’s provisional timetable, which allowed for design work from April to August and a planning application in September. The award covers design work, not permission to build.
Bromley to charge empty-home tax premium after one year
Homes left unoccupied and substantially unfurnished in Orpington and across Bromley will face a 100% council-tax premium — double the normal bill — after one year rather than two from 1 April 2027. Bromley’s Executive agreed the change on 28 October.
Bromley’s Empty Homes Premium report counts 598 homes empty for one to two years, compared with 472 already paying the premium. These are borough-wide figures. Qualifying homes marketed for sale or let, or needing major repairs, can receive time-limited exceptions from the premium.
Nominate your Club or Group of the Year
Which local club or group deserves recognition? Nominations are now open for Orpington’s Club or Group of the Year 2026, from sports clubs and choirs to hobby clubs, volunteer groups and community organisations. Tell us their name and, if you like, why they deserve the award. You can nominate more than one group. Nominations close Sunday 8 November at 11.59pm. Public voting opens on 12 November, with the winner announced in our 19 November issue. Share the page to help us find more local favourites.
Dates For Your Diary
Sunday 22 November · 2pm–6.45pm
Light Up Orpington 2026
Orpington 1st’s festive street event will bring family entertainment and stalls to Orpington High Street on Sunday 22 November 2026, from 2pm to 6.45pm. The stretch from the War Memorial to Homefield Rise will be pedestrianised, with live performances planned on a stage at the foot of Knoll Rise. High Street businesses will remain open as usual. The acts and exact lights-on time have not yet been announced. See Light Up Orpington 2026.
Correction, 11 November: The organiser’s programme gives a 6.45pm finish. An earlier version of this item said 7pm.
Saturday 5 December 2026 · 7:30pm
Orpington Symphony Orchestra’s Autumn Concert
Cellist Mariatu Kanneh-Mason will join Orpington Symphony Orchestra for Haydn’s Cello Concerto in D major at All Saints Parish Church, Orpington, BR6 0QD. The programme also includes Mozart’s “Paris” Symphony and Beethoven’s “Eroica”. Tickets including fees range from £5.20 to £15.59, with a £36.37 group ticket. Online booking is recommended; cash is also accepted at the door.
What's On
Friday 6 November
Bonfire Night without fireworks at Downe Activity Centre, 6pm–8pm · advance booking required. Gather for campfire songs, s’mores, an optional woodland ghost tour and a torchlight scavenger hunt on Bird House Lane, BR6 7LJ. There will be no fireworks. Book in advance; no tickets are sold on the day. Under-16s must attend with an adult.
KIPPS musical at Langley Park, Beckenham, Friday 7.30pm; Sunday 8 November 2.30pm · £6–£22. Bromley Youth Music Trust’s four musical-theatre groups will perform KIPPS – the new Half a Sixpence Musical with a live orchestra at Langley Park Centre for the Performing Arts, BR3 3BP. Book for Friday or Sunday.
Monday 9 November
Bromley Well advice clinic in St Paul’s Cray, 10am–noon · free · booking required. Get help with money, benefits, housing, relationships or legal matters at St Paul’s Cray Library and Community Centre, Mickleham Road. The Bromley Well clinic is appointment-only: call 020 8402 0123 to book and check whether it can help.
Bromley Y online workshop on study stress, 5pm–6pm · free · online. Young people in Years 10–13 can explore study stress, healthy habits and further support in this Microsoft Teams webinar. Parents and carers are welcome too. Register with Bromley Y for the hour-long session.
Tuesday 10 November
Reception open mornings at Green Street Green Primary, Tuesday 10 and Thursday 12 November · 9.15am–10.45am · registration required. Considering Reception for September 2027? Visit the school on Vine Road for a headteacher presentation and pupil-led tour; children are welcome. Register for Tuesday or Thursday. A separate Speech & Language Provision tour is available on Thursday.