This year marks the 750th anniversary of Croydon’s town centre market – now known as Surrey Street Market – which was granted a Royal Charter back in 1276. It is one of the oldest street markets in the UK and has had many different names over the years – the Shambles, the Butcherie and Butcher Row!

To mark this, we’ve unveiled a striking mural by South London artist, Vic Lee, which brings together surprising stories, facts and memories from its long history. See the street art in High Street.

If you’ve visited Surrey Street recently, you’ll see that a large gateway now welcomes visitors and strengthens its local identity. The design was shaped by ideas from traders, businesses, residents, community groups and students from Croydon School of Art, capturing the history and character of the area. Thank you to everyone who got involved.

The gateway is just one of many improvements we are making to Surrey Street – to make it more welcoming for visitors and help local traders and businesses to thrive. New signs, trees, seating areas and better facilities for traders are still to come, plus more community events. Find out more.

Update on Purley Pool

I know many residents are keen to see a swimming pool return to Purley. Before planning permission can be formally issued to the developer, Polaska, there are still some legal and land registration matters that need to be completed. Whilst these are not directly within the Council’s control, we are working closely with Polaska on the programme for delivery of the project.

Progress is being made and I remain fully committed to delivering a new leisure centre for Purley and driving the regeneration of the town centre.

I was delighted to be at the opening of Purley’s newest independent business on Saturday, jewellers Constantine & Co. The family-run firm is another real vote of confidence in Purley town centre and I wish them every success.

Changes to landlord licensing

Our two new private rented sector licensing schemes will launch on Friday 25 September. These are an important part of our work to improve standards and the quality of privately rented homes across Croydon.

If you own or manage a privately rented property in the borough, I’d encourage you to visit our website now to check whether you need a licence and what you’ll need to apply. See the Council website.

Join Croydon’s festivities this weekend

Picnic in the Park returns to Grangewood Park on Sunday (20 September), from 1pm, with live music, market and food stall and entertainment for all the family.

And it’s the final weekend of Open House Festival in Croydon. Explore the borough’s historical landmarks and catch The Caravan Gallery, which will be visiting Surrey Street Market on Friday and Saturday (18-19 September) and North End on Sunday, from 11-5pm. Do go along if you can.

Happy Rosh Hashanah

Finally, last weekend was the Jewish new year, and I hope it is a ‘shanah tovah’ – a very happy new year. I would also like to wish our Jewish community a meaningful Yom Kippur, on this holy day of fasting and prayer on Sunday.

Have a great weekend.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon