As Croydon prepares to celebrate 750 years since Surrey Street Market was established by Royal Charter, a project by Croydon Council is in full swing to preserve the rich history of the area.

A new vision for the market area and nearby streets is being launched at the Market on Saturday 7 March, from 11am-3pm, to set the scene for tangible improvements over the coming year.

The Amplifying Surrey Street project is part of Executive Mayor Jason Perry’s priority to regenerate the town centre and restore pride in the borough. It also supports Croydon’s Growth Plan and Town Centre Vision.

The £4.4m project is backed with £3m funding from the Croydon Growth Zone, the long-term joint initiative between Croydon Council and the Greater London Authority (GLA) which allows business rates to be reinvested into town centre regeneration. It is also supported by a capital grant of £814,000 from the Mayor of London’s Civic Partnership Programme, that the Council successfully bid for.

The Council has been working with Surrey Street Action Group – a partnership of Croydon residents, businesses, market traders and community organisations – as well as individual traders and businesses. Together they have shaped a vision that meets the needs of businesses and the community for a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment.

The new vision sets out six key aims and projects that together seek to ensure that Surrey Street Market is celebrated and strengthened, and that local people and businesses are at the heart of that change.

The Council will also be launching a new visual identity for the area, co-produced with local people. Plans are being finalised to mark the south entrance into the market, with improvements being made as soon as spring 2026.

Other projects will improve market infrastructure for traders and customers as well as the introduction of new greenery, bringing empty shop units back to life with cultural uses, and delivering events and activities to attract more residents and visitors to the town centre.

Croydon resident Nicky Selwyn is part of the Surrey Street Action Group. She said: “I love the vibrancy and diversity of Surrey Street and the great range of shops and produce available – but it is a bit tired. I hope this project will inject new life into the area, celebrating its history while also securing a bright future.

“I hope it makes it even better for current stall holders and shoppers, while also attracting visitors from further afield.”

Nicky added that the project has been one of the most collaborative experiences she’s ever had. “Every single member can feel their opinion matters, is heard, respected and valued. Amplifying Surrey Street is true co-production at its best.”

Set within Central Croydon Conservation Area and The Old Town Masterplan, Surrey Street Market is one of the oldest markets in the UK, with records of a marketplace dating back to the 1200s. This year, Croydon is celebrating 750 years since a market was established in the borough by Royal Charter. Many residents told the Council that they were unaware of its long history and would like this to be celebrated and made more visible.

Beyond the history of the market, Surrey Street has been a springboard for new businesses, a home for grassroots creativity and a platform for music and performance. The vision celebrates this fascinating social and cultural history.

“We are proud to be helping Surrey Street thrive as a historic and welcoming part of Croydon’s transforming town centre.

“This new vision for the market celebrates its heritage and sets out clear plans to invest in its future – for shopping, culture and community. We hope the vision will inspire and encourage local people to get involved and work together, to develop projects that make a lasting difference.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon

Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor for planning and regeneration at the GLA, said: “The Amplifying Surrey Street project will revitalise the area, celebrating its history whilst making it suitable for future generations to live, work and play. I am delighted the Mayor of London’s Civic Partnership Programme is able to play a part in this transformation, while giving local people a key role in shaping how their city grows as we continue to build a better, fairer London for all.”

See the Croydon Urban Room website for more details on the launch.