Today the latest unit in Allders Parade opened its doors to residents – local trader Coco & Nut Café.  It has been great to see the town centre North End buzzing with activity with new openings bringing jobs, energy and opportunities for local people.

The new Allders Parade by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) is just one of many regeneration projects underway as part of my Town Centre Vision, which will create new jobs, shops and homes for Croydon’s residents.

This week I will be keynote speaker at the annual Develop Croydon Conference, themed ‘Game On’ – where I will set out the next phase of Croydon’s regeneration and investment plans. This is an important opportunity to showcase the progress we are making and the renewed confidence in our town centre.

Do visit the town centre to support our local traders – and I look forward to sharing further updates on other town centre projects soon.

Norbury Park cricket pitch

I am delighted to report that, as promised, the vandalised cricket pitch at Norbury Park, has now been fully repaired and restored. From the moment this senseless damage occurred, I made clear that the Council would put it right – and we have. The all-weather pitch is once again ready for practice well ahead of next season. We are fortunate to have 127 parks and green spaces across our borough, and I want to thank everyone who takes pride in keeping them safe, clean and welcoming.

Solidarity with Jamaica

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, and with the many families and friends here in Croydon, who are deeply worried for their loved ones. Croydon is home to one of the UK’s largest Jamaican communities, and I know our borough will once again come together to offer support.

The Croydon BME Forum, Windrush Generation Legacy Association and partners are leading a local relief effort to support those impacted. Their head office at 56a Mitcham Road, Croydon CR0 3RG, will be open this Saturday from 9am to 6pm to receive donations, and volunteers are also needed to help prepare aid for shipment. If you can assist or donate, please contact: info@bmeforum.org.

Black History Month

It was wonderful to attend so many varied events for Black History Month – the Windrush Generation Legacy Association Partners show, the Summer of Soul screening at David Lean Cinema and the Black History Month Concert, run by the Association of Jamaicans (UK) Trust. As the month draws to a close, I would like to say a huge thank you to our residents, community groups and councillors who have worked immensely hard to honour Croydon’s Black heritage and culture.

Have a good weekend.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon