It’s my priority to drive forward the regeneration of our town centre, so it becomes cleaner, safer and a vibrant place we can all be proud of. There are lots of projects in motion here at the council and I will continue to bring you regular updates and information on how to get involved. The consultation on our Town Centre Regeneration Strategy continues this month. Thank you to everyone who has taken part already – your views are important to us as we shape our vision for the future town centre. More information on the latest exhibition and events can be found on the Croydon Urban Room website.

We are also working closely with our partners at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield as they develop a masterplan for the Whitgift Centre, Centrale and surrounding area, to make sure our vision is aligned. This week I visited their exhibition at Croydon Urban Room near WHSmiths, in the Whitgift Centre, to see their new masterplan framework. They’re proposing a mixed development of shops, new homes and offices, as well as more greenery and better walking routes connecting areas in North End. Do please go down to the Urban Room if you can and find out more.

Remembrance services

Thank you to everyone who took part in the many Remembrance ceremonies that took place across the borough on Sunday and on Armistice Day. I was especially pleased to see young people from Croydon’s schools taking part, ensuring that the legacies of the First and Second World Wars, as well as conflicts since, are never forgotten by future generations.

A Very Croydon Christmas

Today I’ll be switching on the festive lights in the Restaurant Quarter of South Croydon, which are kindly funded by the South Croydon Business Association. I hope the lights and decorations going up around the borough bring a bit of festive cheer as we head towards Christmas. It’s certainly going to be A Very Croydon Christmas, with lots of events and festivities planned to take place throughout December. Visit the Culture Croydon website for more details.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Ismaili Jamatkhana in Croydon today. It was a honour to visit them to to mark this very special event and congratulate them on their contribution to our local community.

Have a good weekend.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon