A programme of regeneration works across five district centres is now underway, using government funding secured by Croydon Council.
Croydon successfully bid for £833k from the from UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme for 2024-25 to create and improve public realm and green spaces in West Croydon (London Road), New Addington, Thornton Heath, Selsdon and Purley.
The projects were allocated the funding by the Council to support local businesses and job retention by attracting residents and visitors to the district centres.
The Selsdon Centenary exhibition, hosted at Selsdon Library, was opened by Executive Mayor Jason Perry earlier this month and launched the ‘100 years of Selsdon’ initiative. The exhibition was curated by councillors, Selsdon Residents’ Association and Friends of Littleheath Woods and charts its history from when the first planning permission was granted for homes in the village in 1925. It is open at the library until 2 May.
Alongside the exhibition, blue plaques have been installed on shopfronts to celebrate the local history of Selsdon High Street. The project also involved the design and installation of new signage and maps to help direct people towards the high street and local green spaces.
Ian Leggatt, Selsdon Residents’ Association committee member and chairman of Friends of Littleheath Woods, said: “To research and document Selsdon’s gestation and growth and celebrate its 100th birthday with the Centenary Exhibition has been a joy to carry out.
“Selsdon still retains its village feel, even after coming into being as a thriving and numerous community 100 years ago. With a very active Residents Association, cherished and cared for green spaces, together with a huge number of volunteers across many social activities, I am fortunate to live in Selsdon.”
In New Addington, works are underway to resurface the market square stage and make repairs to the boundary walls in Central Parade. Improvements to the Octagon façade are expected to be completed in May.
In Thornton Heath, construction is underway for a new learning garden in Collier’s Water Lane. Upon completion, school children will be able to learn about nature and growing food through gardening activities, caring for raised beds and observing micro-habitats in this space. Thornton Heath Clocktower planters and Thornton Heath Pond Roundabout will also be spruced up, with the removal of dead trees and tidying of the green space.
In West Croydon, along London Road, the first phase of the UKSPF-funded electrical works has been completed, with the second phase starting in May. The works will support community events and activities, as well as a new night and weekend market organised by London Road Traders Association.
In Purley, the Council has been collaborating with Purley BID (Business Improvement District) to deliver public art, lighting and green space improvements. The works have now finished and aim to increase footfall in the high street and enhance security at night-time with the new feature lighting.
“It is my priority to restore pride in Croydon and is great to see our district centres receiving the improvements they deserve, which will give a welcome boost to local high streets.
“I have been visiting these sites across Croydon to see the works completed and underway. Our partners and community groups have been pivotal in planning the projects and I would like to thank everyone who has got involved and given their time to these projects.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
