A respected community leader with more than three decades of experience living and working in Croydon has been appointed to lead the next phase of Croydon’s £20m Pride in Place programme for the area surrounding Croydon University Hospital.
Following a competitive selection process involving local residents, Executive Mayor Jason Perry and Croydon West MP Sarah Jones, Alison Johnson has been chosen as the Independent Chair. The board will decide how the Pride in Place funding should be invested to improve public spaces in West Thornton, Broad Green, Bensham Manor and Selhurst.
As Chair, Alison will work with residents, local organisations, businesses and public sector partners to establish the Board and ensure the community plays a central role in identifying priorities for investment and improvement.
A proud Croydon resident for over 30 years, Alison has devoted much of her career to supporting local communities as a faith leader, educator, trainer and advocate. Her work has brought her into contact with thousands of residents from the area, helping families, young people and community groups overcome challenges and access opportunities. She has also held a number of leadership and governance positions including serving as Chair of Governors at a primary school in north Croydon and membership of Croydon Council’s fostering panel.
Alison Johnson said: “I am delighted to take on this role. This programme presents a genuine opportunity for residents to help shape the future of their neighbourhood and influence decisions that will affect generations to come.
“I want to ensure local voices are heard, communities feel empowered and the investment leaves a legacy that improves opportunities, wellbeing and quality of life for local people.”
The Pride in Place programme forms part of Executive Mayor Perry’s work to restore pride in the borough. It is designed to give communities greater influence over investment in their neighbourhoods, supporting improvements that matter most to local people and helping create stronger, more connected places.
Executive Mayor of Croydon Jason Perry said: “This £20m investment is a major opportunity to deliver visible and lasting improvements to neighbourhoods around Croydon University Hospital. The Council will work closely with residents, businesses and community organisations to ensure the programme supports our wider ambitions for the area and delivers where investment is needed most.
“Alison is deeply rooted in Croydon and has spent more than 30 years improving lives across our borough. She has the experience, independence and local understanding needed to bring people together and help turn those ambitions into a clear plan for action.
“Restoring pride in Croydon means investing in every part of our borough and working in partnership with the communities we serve. I am delighted that Alison will lead this important work and look forward to supporting her and the new Neighbourhood Board.”
Sarah Jones, MP for Croydon West said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Alison will be taking on the role of Pride in Place Chair for the area surrounding Croydon University Hospital.
“With a wealth of leadership experience and firm roots in the local community, Alison brings the skills, determination and passion needed to lead on this initiative.
“This is a huge investment in the area, one that will create a legacy for many years to come. I look forward to working closely with Alison and the rest of the board to bring positive and lasting change – driven by local people – to the area.”
Alison’s appointment follows the appointment of Julia Weller to the Neighbourhood Board for New Addington North in March.
Further information about opportunities to get involved in the Pride in Place programme will be shared in the coming months.
