Proposals for a new swimming pool in Purley are making progress after new headline terms for Polaska – the developer and long-term leaseholder of the site – were approved by the Executive Mayor at Cabinet on Wednesday (25 October).
Executive Mayor Jason Perry has listened to calls from residents to have a swimming pool back in the heart of Purley and has been in discussions with Polaska.
Polaska is now bringing forward proposals for a new leisure centre, later living housing and a public square, to regenerate the vacant site and boost the local economy. The leisure centre would include a six-lane main pool, training pool, fitness studio and 80 station gym, as well as a soft play area and café.
Since June, the developer has been speaking to residents, businesses and other partners about the designs, as part of a pre-application consultation, so that the views of the local community could influence the scheme.
Polaska is preparing to submit a planning application to the council, as the Local Planning Authority.
The proposed scheme would see the dilapidated leisure centre, former supermarket and multi-storey car park demolished. In its place be a glass-fronted leisure centre with street-level café, later living homes, car park, a public square and an improved walkway to Purley railway station – a scheme designed in line with residents’ feedback and to increase footfall to the town and boost the local economy.
The aim is for the build of the new leisure centre to be fully funded through the development, while the council will run the new leisure facility.
“Residents have been asking for the return of their much-loved pool in Purley and these agreements represent the next steps towards making the new leisure centre and regeneration of the high street a reality.
“The developers have really engaged the local community to get as many views as possible on the plans for the site. There will be more opportunities for people to have their say on the designs once an application is submitted. We will continue to work with Polaska to ensure that any new development is in keeping and meets the needs of the local area.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
The plans can be viewed on the Purley Pool website.
