Building used in sitcom Peep Show converted to temporary accommodation

The development also includes two retail units and a community centre. The design was overseen by architecture firm Shedkm.

Croydon Council said the purchase is expected to reduce homelessness costs by £987,000 a year.

In Croydon, around 3,600 households are currently in temporary accommodation and the council is expected to overspend on its homelessness budget by £15m in the 2025-26 financial year.

Peep Show ran for nine seasons between 2003 and 2015. It followed university friends Mark (David Mitchell) and Jez (Robert Webb) as they navigated adult life. Much of the show took place in their shared flat in Croydon.

A Croydon Council spokesperson said: “The purchase of Zodiac House is part of the council’s proactive approach to tackling homelessness by providing safe temporary homes to local families and individuals while they look for long-term housing.

“It also helps the council to meet its homelessness duty under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and reduce costs to the council with less use of other more expensive temporary housing options.”

They added: “Each flat will be furnished with essential items like white goods, basic furniture and wardrobe spaces. There will be a 24-hour concierge service to support tenants.”

Robert Chevis, development director at Mitheridge, said: “Though parts of it have sat empty for decades, Zodiac House has long been an iconic part of the West Croydon neighbourhood.

“Now, having turned unloved and unwanted office space into high-quality and much needed temporary accommodation, we look forward to it once again being a key hub for the local community.”

Steve Sanham, founding director at Common Projects, said: “We were very pleased to have worked with Croydon Council to close this innovative transaction, and to see that Zodiac’s homes will be used for people in urgent need of safe, secure and high-quality homes.”