Contractors have this week started work on £1m worth of upgrades to Central Parade in New Addington as part of the council’s Connected Croydon street improvement project.
Over the next 16 weeks, work along the stretch of road between the Octagon and the Calat building will include widening and repaving of footways, creating level access into shops, installing more bins, benches and cycle parking, upgrading parking arrangements for blue badge holders, resurfacing the roadway outside the shops, and putting in new, brighter, low-energy lighting.
Plans were drawn up by a team of architects following a major consultation with local people in 2014.
“Many of Croydon’s high streets and district centres are getting a significant makeover thanks to this huge investment programme. As a result we’re seeing real improvements – not just to the quality of the environment but to the local economy. Businesses are attracted to places that feel safe, clean and inviting and the council is determined to ensure we do everything we can to make this happen.”
Councillor Alison Butler, deputy leader and cabinet member for homes, regeneration and planning
New Addington’s weekly market will be unaffected by the works and to minimise the impact on businesses the scheme will be done in short sections, with the final completion date pencilled in for early June, weather permitting. The council has also instructed contractors to only work between 7am and 7pm wherever possible so that residents are not disturbed. If work is needed outside these hours people nearby will be contacted and informed in advance.
Where the pavement levels are being adjusted outside shops this may mean work is also needed to existing shutters and the council is ensuring this gets done part of the overall project.
This is the latest phase of the £50m borough-wide package of work jointly funded by the council and the Mayor of London that has recently seen significant changes in areas such as London Road in Broad Green and the South End restaurant quarter.
The Mayor has invested £956,000 in New Addington through his Regeneration Fund.
Sir Edward Lister, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Policy said: “The Mayor and Council are working hard to breathe new life and vitality into Croydon, so it is important that retail and social hubs such as Central Parade are welcoming, attractive and reflect the upsurge in confidence in the town. This is just one of a number of projects that we are working on as we regenerate Croydon to make it a major driver of our economy.”
The South End project was recently nominated for a major national architectural award and has seen many new businesses open since that project was completed.
