Croydon Council is getting projects under way with £833k of funding secured from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), to transform five district centres, restore local pride, and help businesses to thrive.
The five areas that will benefit are London Road, West Croydon, New Addington, Thornton Heath, Selsdon and Purley.
The projects, which will be delivered by March 2025, will focus on communities and place, local business support as well as people and skills.
They will include measures designed to prevent antisocial behaviour and improve or create green spaces and public realm to increase the vitality of the centres. The council is working with ward members and local partners and communities to define the programme and involve them in the plans.
The projects support the Mayor’s priorities of making Croydon’s town and district centres cleaner, safer and healthier, and aim to boost job retention and local economies by attracting people to the centres.
UKSPF funding is awarded nationwide to improve pride in place and increase life chances. The £833k awarded is part of a wider package of £2.6m for Croydon, with which the council has established a Young Entrepreneurs Academy, to support Croydon’s next generation of entrepreneurs (aged 18-35).
This work supports the priorities set out in the Mayor’s Business Plan 2022-2026 to make Croydon a great place for working, earning and learning, and where all children and young people can thrive, learn and fulfil their potential.
“I am determined to make improvements to our district centres and will continue the good work our borough has been doing to help businesses to thrive.
“This funding is a welcome boost and we look forward to working with the communities to enhance their communities and make residents feel proud to live and work here.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
