I am continuing to work on behalf of Croydon to accelerate the regeneration of our town centre – which I know is hugely important to our residents and businesses. On Thursday I met with key partners to talk through my new vision for the town centre, at the Mayor’s Town Centre Advisory Board. The Council is creating this vision to put Croydon back on the map as the strategic powerhouse of the London and the South-East. It will boost local trade and create a cleaner, safer and thriving town centre, of which we can all be proud.

The vision will take time to deliver – which is why I am putting in steps for the shorter term. I will continue to keep you updated on the work we are doing now to improve safety through the Town Centre Taskforce partnership; create a fun and vibrant atmosphere through a programme of cultural events planned for North End; and the ‘meanwhile uses’ of town centre landmarks and spaces, such as the new shops and food places opening within the old Allders frontage.

My focus on the regeneration of Croydon is not solely on the town centre. I’m delighted that five district centres will benefit from £833k of funding, to attract people back to their local shops, public areas and green spaces. London Road (West Croydon),  New Addington, Thornton Heath, Selsdon and Purley will all have improvements, with works starting this month. The funding is from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Find out more. 

Big Community Transport Tour

I welcomed the Deputy Mayor of London for Transport, Seb Dance, and Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman, to Croydon today. This was part of the Big Community Transport Tour, to discuss how we can work together to create a more accessible, sustainable and affordable transport system, whilst reflecting on the progress made to improve Croydon’s connectivity.

Investing in playgrounds

It was wonderful to open Croydon’s latest playgrounds at Fieldway/Rowdown Field in New Addington, and at King George’s Field in Selhurst – providing opportunities for children to play and enjoy the outdoors. These playgrounds are the third of five planned this year as part of our ongoing investment in parks and play spaces throughout the borough.

On Tuesday I spoke at the 35th Anniversary of Independence of the Restoration of the Republic of Lithuania. I welcome the contribution of the Lithuanian community to every part of life in Croydon, making it a richer and more diverse borough.

A very happy Holi to Croydon’s Hindu community celebrating the festival of colours, love, and spring today, and to our Jewish community who marked the Jewish holiday of Purim this week.

Have a good weekend.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon