Croydon’s most famous record shop is to be reborn as a children’s play centre in the latest attempt to make use of the historic building.

Beanos record store – formerly the largest in Europe – has been empty for more than a year after a brief cameo as an indoor marketplace called Stuff in early 2010.

But a trio of parents hope to bring the building back into use by creating a stress-free environment for children to play, while their parents relax with a coffee and a panini in one of the two built-in cafes.

Taryn Cartwright, 35, said she and two friends were inspired to start the business after they spotted a gap in the market.

She said: “It’s a completely different concept and something that Croydon’s missing, there’s really nothing similar.

“My business partners are primary school teachers, trying to make play fun.

“Lots of dressing up, lots of arts and crafts.

“Central is that parents can come and sit and relax and have some really good food while the children are playing within sight.”

The new store is due to open on June 1.