Croydon Council has received a planning application from developers Polaska for a new leisure centre on the Purley Pool site and regeneration of the surrounding area.
Executive Mayor Jason Perry has made returning a swimming pool to the heart of Purley a priority. The council has been in discussions with Polaska, the long-term leaseholders, to bring forward their plans for the site.
The planning application from Polaska includes a new leisure centre and a later living housing scheme, with a new public square with improved access from the station to High Street to help regenerate the town centre and boost the local economy.
The leisure centre plans include a 25m six-lane main pool, training pool, 80 space gym, fitness suite and studio space, as well as a changing places WC and a café.
The proposal is for the construction cost of the new leisure centre to be funded through the development, with the ownership and management of the facility remaining with the council.
The application has been through the validation process and is now available view on the council’s website.
It will be considered by the council as the local planning authority and the Greater London Authority as a referable application.
“I pledged to bring a pool back to the heart of Purley and this is a welcome step towards making that happen.
“The council has been working with Polaska on their proposals for the site because we want to make sure that the development benefits the whole community. I know that Purley Pool has been much missed by residents and a new leisure centre will help make it easier for local people of all ages to enjoy healthy, active lifestyles.
“The plans also include a later living scheme and a new public space, helping to increase footfall in our town centre and provide a boost for local businesses.
“While this is a welcome step, there is still a long way to go – we need to make sure that the proposals are right. The council will carefully consider the planning application from Polaska, and our focus will be fixed on delivering a facility that benefits everyone in the area.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
Additional Info:
Planning application 24/00775/FUL has been submitted for:
Demolition of the existing buildings and erection of buildings of 5 to 12 storeys to provide a leisure centre (Use Class F2), commercial unit (Use Class E), an Integrated Retirement Community comprising a mix of Specialist Older Persons Housing and Care Accommodation for older people (Use Classes C2 and C3), car parking, landscaping, and associated works.
The planning application will be subject to public consultation. The application can be viewed and comments can be made on the council’s website.
