This week I launched my new four-year Business Plan, renewing my focus on cleaner streets, safer neighbourhoods and improved services. I know these are the issues that matter most to our residents, and our priority now is delivering visible, practical improvements across the borough.
In my first 100 days, we have already hit the ground running. I’ve launched a dedicated pothole patrol to speed up repairs, unveiled a new motorists’ forum, begun district centre parking reviews, and introduced Croydon in Bloom to help improve our public spaces.
We are also strengthening our zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour. This includes installing new CCTV at known hotspots and launching a new Caught on Camera webpage to help identify those responsible for illegal dumping.
I am committed to restoring pride in our borough, driving growth and making Croydon a place known for opportunity, aspiration and strong community spirit. Read my full Business Plan 2026-2030.
On Wednesday the first Cabinet meeting of my new four-year term was held. Croydon’s Cabinet Members and I made important decisions which will help us move forward with our plans on housing, regeneration, conservation and more. You can read about these projects and plans in this newsletter and on the Your Croydon website.
Revitalising our town centre
This week, I sat down with our partners at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, the owners of Centrale and Whitgift, as part of the first 100 days of my new term. We talked about what comes next for our town centre and how we keep things moving.
There’s no doubt that regeneration has been talked about in Croydon for a long time. What matters now is delivery. Pushing forward the renewal of our town centre is a priority in my new Business Plan and residents and businesses deserve to be kept informed every step of the way.
The Whitgift site is a significant opportunity to reshape the heart of Croydon, and plans are progressing for a mixed-use development that will bring together homes, shops and leisure space. Getting this right will be key to building a town centre that works for the future. But regeneration isn’t just about long-term plans – it’s also about what people can see and experience right now.
Centrale is set to be modernised this year, Allders Parade is thriving and we’re putting on many cultural events in North End together with URW. These changes are helping to create a town centre that feels more vibrant, more welcoming and more accessible.
I know residents want to see real change, and so do I. That means continuing to work with partners and keeping up momentum. Croydon has huge potential. The task now is to turn that potential into reality.
Staying safe in hot weather
I know many of our residents have found the heatwave challenging. We have been working with our partners to help keep vulnerable residents to stay safe. Whilst temperatures are expected to fall slightly over the weekend, a Met Office amber alert will be in place so please continue to follow guidance and stay as cool as possible. Read our latest guidance.
Supporting Croydon’s young people
I was delighted to speak at the Croydon Youth Awards, hosted by Croydon College at Fairfield Halls. The event celebrated the achievements, resilience and leadership of young people across Croydon. I was truly impressed by their stories and it was an honour to meet the award winners. Congratulations to everyone involved.
Enjoying our green spaces
Croydon’s parks are a valuable resource and that’s why we have refurbished and reopened the toilets in Haling Grove Park. Having been damaged in a storm last year, it is great to see them fully restored and back in use for local residents. I hope to see a ‘flush’ of toilets reopening in our parks during this term of office.
Celebrating our voluntary sector
Today I joined the Croydon Voluntary Action Summit alongside Streatham and Croydon North MP Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. Our voluntary sector do incredible work – from reducing violence, to supporting mental health and helping young people into employment. They are key partners for the Council and vital to our communities – thank you to everyone who gives their time and energy to support our borough.
Summer festivals!
The Learning Disability Carnival in North End on Saturday promises to be a wonderful event, with stalls, performances and activities. Do come along if you can. I am also looking forward to celebrating the Bayangam Cultural Festival (Yogam Festival). Find out more.
And finally…
The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues, and I know many of you are enjoying it! After their draw with Ghana, let’s hope England will soon return to winning ways against Panama on Saturday. I wish everyone a safe and great weekend ahead.
Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon
