Croydon Council has completed major improvements to Dingwall Road and George Street, marking an important milestone in the borough’s wider £40m town centre regeneration programme.

The newly upgraded streets create a safer, greener and more welcoming route between East Croydon station and the town centre, making it easier for people to get around and spend time in the area.

The projects support the Executive Mayor’s Town Centre Vision and Growth Plan – to drive regeneration, attract investment and deliver exciting developments in the borough.

The Dingwall Road works have focused on making the area more attractive and accessible for everyone. New paving has replaced uneven surfaces, sustainable drainage has been installed, crossings have been improved, and the road layout has been redesigned to better support people walking, moving around in a wheelchair or mobility scooter, and cycling.

Better lighting, seating, trees and other planting are creating a more pleasant environment, coupled with less street clutter and a cleaner, more modern look – all designed to encourage people to stay longer and drive footfall to town centre businesses.

George Street has had improved paving and fencing, together with an upgraded pedestrian and cycle crossing outside BOXPARK, and a new motorcycle parking bay in Dingwall Road near the junction with George Street.

Dingwall Road is home to many headquarters, including government offices for the Home Office and HMRC in Ruskin Square.

Cheryl Davis, Estates Manager for Property Management CBRE, in Ruskin Square, said: “The regeneration works have certainly bought a nice new, clean feel to the area. We particularly love the trees, benches, festoon lighting, and bigger seating area for Tinto’s on the corner of Lansdowne and Dingwall Road.

“The motorcycle bike parking bay at the top end of Dingwall Road has had the greatest impact in helping us tackle the issue of take away delivery drivers. They are making use of the bay, which keeps them off the pavements.”

The completion of the works is a key step in Croydon Council’s plans to revitalise the town centre and attract new investment. By creating safer, more attractive and better-connected walking routes, the scheme helps lay the foundations for long-term growth, which includes supporting new homes, jobs and opportunities in the borough.

There are eight other town centre projects to benefit from £40m of investment using government, Growth Zone and other external funding. These include Wellesley Road pedestrian crossing, which is completed, a new green space and play area planned for College Green, linking Fairfield Halls and Croydon College, and new lighting, planting, seating and more outside Croydon Minster, to create a pleasant public area.It is all part of the Council’s commitment to making the borough a cleaner, safer and more vibrant place to live, work and visit – whilst giving local businesses the environment they need to thrive.

“Completing the works in Dingwall Road and George Street is a big step forward for Croydon. These improvements are already making a real difference to how people move around the town centre – safer crossings, better public spaces and stronger connections from East Croydon station.

“Just as importantly, this is about supporting our local businesses. By making the area more welcoming and easier to access, we are helping attract more visitors, increase footfall and create the right conditions for businesses to grow.

“This is another important step in our wider regeneration programme, and we are committed to continuing to invest in Croydon – creating places residents can be proud of and the conditions businesses need to prosper.

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon