We support local Coulsdon businesses with all their HR needs. Whatever the nature of your local business, the HR Dept can relieve the stress of HR management. We provide practical, well-informed advice about the rights and responsibilities of both you and your employees, minimising the risk of things going wrong, and if any problems do arise, helping you handle them in the quickest and most efficient way possible.

Get in touch today to find out how we can help your Coulsdon business thrive.

A bit about Coulsdon

Sitting between the busier streets of central London and the more rural areas just outside of the city, Coulsdon has modern industrial and commercial businesses as well as dedicated outdoor spaces and activities. Evidence for human habitation in the Coulsdon area dates back to the Iron Age and earlier. Much of the land that is now Coulsdon Common was too poor in quality to grow crops but was suitable for livestock grazing, and for much of its history, it remained under the control of the local Manor (which changed hands many times). As a rural parish, it included Purley and Kenley. Subsequently, it became part of Croydon in 1894 before merging with Sanderstead in 1915.

Building in the area accelerated in the 1800s due to the arrival of the railway. Lime and chalk were quarried nearby, and lime kilns saw a lot of use. In the 17th Century, two windmills were built on either side of Stites Hill Road. The second was only demolished in 1924, and the land is now part of the Common. During the Second World War, the Common housed a large barracks, the remains of which can still be partially seen. Famous 20th Century residents included the long-distance runner Gordon Pirie. Today, the area is mostly suburban.

Location and Travel

Historically part of Surrey, Coulson was incorporated into the Greater London area in 1965 and now comes under the Borough of Croydon, in the southernmost part of the Capital. It is part of the hills known as the North Downs. There are regular bus services into central London.

There are two main railway stations in Coulsdon. Coulsdon Town (formerly Smitham) on the Tattenham Corner line, which offers regular trains to London Bridge, and Coulsdon South, on the Brighton Main Line, with trains to Victoria, Peterborough, Reigate and Horsham (with a stop at Gatwick Airport). Coulsdon North closed in 1983. The A23 main road, known as the Brighton Road for its final destination, runs past Coulsdon

Local Amenities

Old Coulsdon is a small and historic part of the wider Coulsdon area with a few small shops and a village green where you can play cricket. Smitham Bottom, alongside the A23, is a busier commercial area with shops and restaurants. One former quarry has been turned into an industrial estate and trading park. A local community centre hosts performances and events.

The local government purchased Coulsdon Common to ensure it could be maintained as a public green space. It also runs several other local parks, some of which include Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Walkers can enjoy local public footpaths, including the London Loop. In addition to cricket, local sports include bowls, football, rugby, golf and horse riding.