MY Backyard: An urban indoor garden
MY Backyard - peace worth paying for
The Exchange, Scarbrook Road, Croydon, CR0 1UH
MY Backyard is a new garden themed space in the heart of Croydon’s Old Town. Situated in Exchange Square, a promising, but derelict cobblestone piazza with a grade II listed pumping station at its centre.
We want to help kickstart the transformation of this private piazza and bring it to life with an abundance of plants. We will adopt the "Green Box" and transform it into Wandle Cottage. Complete with plants, trellis' and more. We will also try and expand on the range of outdoor activities on offer in the square, adding some giant outdoor board games to complement the table tennis tables.
Our unique members only space will be accessible from 7am - midnight, 7 days a week. It will offer an oasis of calm and tranquility away from the stresses and strains of modern urban life.
My Backyard is a third space, neither home, nor the office. Its a place to relax. To unwind. Either in solitude, or in the company of friends. Some people will work here. Others will play. Whatever your motives, if you crave tranquility, MY Backyard is for you.
We aim to give people back a little of what is being lost in the increased trend towards apartment living. We are forced to live in ever smaller dwellings, some of the new apartments being built near our premises offer only 35m2 of living space, for £900 per month or £190,000. MY Backyard will provide the extra space, light and facilities these residents will quickly come to crave.
Our first location has been selected because it benefits from an abundance of natural light and is positioned within the relative tranquility of Exchange square, but only 8 minutes from East Croydon station.
Members of MY Backyard are welcome to bring their own food or drink (including alcohol) into the premises. We have also agreed a partnership with Matthews Yard, next door, whereby each member of MY Backyard automatically becomes a member of Matthews Yard. You can get 15% off the food and drink on offer there.
Features
We believe our members should help define the features and facilities we have, the space is here for your benefit. We won’t plan everything in the space down to the finest detail, but will instead consult our members to help define the space and its features.
The Lawn
A hard covered indoor area with high quality artificial grass and a combination of garden benches and chairs, hammock and maybe even a swing thrown in for good measure. This space is also equipped with a bbq, projector & big screen for film nights and sporting events and access is restricted when the space has been allocated to a private function or event.
The Workshop
The Workshop a 200m2 space for coworking and pop-up events and workshops.
The Cable Tunnel
The Cable Tunnel is a 20m long by 2.4 metre wide tunnel in the former BT Exchange building which used to house all the communication cables. We intend to transform this part of the space into a gallery, exhibition space and photographers studio for use by our members.
The Clubhouse
A 60m2 ultra quiet workspace equipped with desks, laser printer and a range of stationery and office supplies including laminator, guillotine, ringbinder, shredder, high speed internet. A place to focus on the job at hand, isolated from the already tranquil surroundings.
Brew Barn
Our brew barn is brought to you by Croydon School of Coffee and your membership fee includes an induction on how to make your favourite brews. The kitchen is equipped with an oven, microwave, toaster, fridges, freezer, sink, dishwasher, blender and coffee and tea making facilities. We supply high quality coffee and loose leaf tea together with fresh fruit from Surrey Street market, free of charge. You are also welcome to pick some herbs from our herb garden to use in any food you may be preparing.
Bike Shed
A secure space with CCTV for you to store your prized two wheel friend in central Croydon. Also access to a range of cycling gear like spanners, pumps and repair tools.
Toolshed
Need to borrow a ladder, a drill, a saw or, should you be blessed with a garden of your own - a lawnmower? No problem. Our shed is stocked with all the DIY items you need easy access to from time to time but don’t necessarily want to own for yourself. Its also better for the planet. Do we really all need some of the products we have taking up precious space in our ever smaller homes?
Standard Fees & Charges
Registration & Induction: £49
Individual Membership Fee: £100 quarterly / £300 annually.
Guest Access (accompanied by a member: £10 day / £25 week / £50 month.
Garden Party: AM - £350 | PM - £500
Members may bring guests into the facilities, but in order to do so you must purchase a guest pass in advance. The general public cannot obtain a day pass without being accompanied by a fully paid member.
In return for your pledges we have some great rewards lined up.
How about a 6 pack of international beers from BRGR & BEER, yours for £15.
Cream tea for two? £10, courtesy of Rise n' Shine.
Want one of Bobski's loaf's to take home? £9.
We intend to bootstrap things as much as possible and will carry out the vast majority of the refurbishment work in-house to keep costs down. 
Thank you for your interest, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
