Croydon unveils bold new vision to unlock growth across the borough

Anew Growth Plan and Town Centre Vision to drive regeneration and attract investment has been unveiled by the Executive Mayor of Croydon.

At the heart of the Growth Plan is the Town Centre Vision – an initial £30 million of funding will go towards a programme of improvements designed to attract new visitors, residents, businesses and investors.

A new spatial strategy will guide transformation across five defined areas – the North End Quarter, East Croydon, West Croydon, the Cultural Quarter and the Heritage Quarter. More than a dozen projects are planned across these zones; from opening the pedestrian route on the link bridge at East Croydon, to new green spaces connecting College Green and Fairfield Halls.

“Now is the time for Croydon to fulfil its promise as one of London’s most exciting growth boroughs,” said Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon.

“This Vision sets out a bold, deliverable plan –one that will attract new homes, businesses, visitors and investment.

“With infrastructure in place, more than £30 million of secured funding, and a clear spatial framework, we are giving the market confidence. Backed by a strong track record on planning and collaboration, Croydon is ready – and open for business.”

Croydon is one of London’s largest and most affordable boroughs, delivering more than 10,000 homes in the next five years – contributing to the 34,000 target to be delivered by 2039. The town centre is just 14 minutes from London Bridge, 16 minutes from Victoria, and 15 minutes from London Gatwick Airport. It also boasts the capital’s only Tramlink system, which celebrates its 25-year anniversary this year.

As one of the capital’s youngest boroughs, Croydon is investing in local training to nurture future talent and has the backing of 65 investors, developers and landowners through Develop Croydon.

The plan was unveiled at BOXPARK in East Croydon, joined by businesses, developers and community groups.

Ben Mclaughlin, Chief Operations Officer at BOXPARK, said: “BOXPARK chose Croydon to be its second site in 2016 knowing the underlying opportunity that East Croydon’s urban district has to offer and the amazing potential that the community and businesses hold.

“We continue to see Croydon as a great place to invest and have recently opened a new competitive socialising space, Playbox, to enhance Croydon’s leisure offering and ensure that the growth of Croydon’s retail sector continues.”

Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, added: “With strong existing infrastructure and major investment planned in its town centre, Croydon has a major role to play in driving the inclusive and sustainable growth we need to see across London over the next decade.”