Shoppers and businesses in Purley can enjoy improved parking facilities now that Croydon Council’s £200,000 upgrade to the town centre’s multi-storey car park is complete.
Two new, upgraded lifts are now working in the 424-space building in Whytecliffe Road South, providing users with step-free access to the town centre. New roller shutters have also been installed in front of the lift areas on every level of the car park, together with a control system which enables them to be closed overnight. In the coming weeks, the lift area will also benefit from new lighting and an interior repaint. These measures will help to prevent anti-social behaviour around the lifts and make the car park a safer, more welcoming environment.
The original lifts were installed when the car park opened in the 1980s to serve a now-closed supermarket, but had been broken or faulty for several years before the last two were taken out of service in 2015. The council decision to upgrade the car park followed its backing last year for the creation of a Business Improvement District (BID) to support local firms and attract more investment in Purley.
The improvements were this week welcomed by local workers. Christine Milne, in Barnados on Purley High Street gave the news a ‘big thumbs up’, while Deban Sqbramaniyam, Londis staff member, said: “It’s a good thing as this area hasn’t got any other big car parks. It’s good for us.”
Councillor Stuart King, cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “I’m pleased to see these improvements to a major parking facility that serves so many local shoppers, workers and commuters. The new lifts make it easier for everyone to access the car park, and particularly important, provide step-free access to the town centre from the disabled parking spaces on the second floor.
He added: “The upgrades give the car park a much better look and feel, and I’m sure will encourage many more people to make use of it and the town centre.”
Councillor Stuart King, cabinet member for transport and environment
Council leader Councillor Tony Newman said: “As a council serving all of Croydon we want to invest in district centres like Purley and improving parking facilities is one way we can encourage more people to spend time and money here. Thriving town centres can be an important hub for their local communities, and we want to help them develop and grow.”
Earlier this year Croydon Council introduced an hour’s free parking in district centres across the borough, encouraging people to use their local shops.
