Croydon awarded £21.5 million to boost community spaces

Croydon has been selected for major investment through the Government’s new Pride in Place Programme, aimed at revitalising high streets, improving public spaces and strengthening community pride. The borough will receive £1.5 million over two years through the Pride in Place Impact Fund, supporting improvements such as refurbishing community buildings, enhancing green spaces and upgrading district centres.

In addition, New Addington North has been named as one of only two London neighbourhoods to benefit from the long-term Pride in Place Programme, receiving up to £20 million over 10 years to regenerate the area.This builds upon the work the Council has already been doing in the area – £223,000 of improvements in the district centre through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF); nearly £100,000 invested in community safety activities for young people since 2023; restoring pride through our blitz clean as well as longer opening hours at New Addington Library.

Croydon also held the first New Addington culture programme this year – ranging from music workshops with young people, to the National Gallery visiting as part of the Art Road Trip project.

It is understood that the Pride in Place programme will be led by a Neighbourhood Board, bringing together residents, councillors, MPs, businesses, and community organisations to shape a 10-year vision for New Addington North. The Council awaits full details and the governance arrangements around the scheme.

Funding will focus on three key goals: building stronger communities with a sense of belonging and safety; creating thriving places with vibrant high streets and quality local amenities; and empowering people to shape the future of their neighbourhood.

The board will develop a regeneration plan which will set out priorities based on what communities choose on how and where funding is spent. Plans are expected to get under way by late 2026, with delivery beginning in 2027.

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said: “I’m delighted that New Addington North has been recognised for long-term investment. We’ve already made progress alongside local residents and partners and I am committed to continuing that collaboration, to make improvements that will help our community to thrive.”