Pride in Place funding improving local spaces
We are making progress on plans to improve our public spaces and strengthen communities across the borough. I have been pleased to allocate the Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund to schemes across the borough.
A planning application has been submitted for new community facilities at Addiscombe Recreation Ground, with proposals for Waddon Ponds to follow shortly. The plans will transform unused mess rooms into community cafes, flexible community spaces and toilets, shaped by feedback from local residents.
We have also introduced new lighting in Wandle Park, to help make the park feel safer and more welcoming, particularly for those walking to and from the tram stop after dark. I know some residents had concerns about the impact of the new lighting on nearby homes and wildlife. The design was carefully developed to minimise these impacts, and shields can be fitted where needed to reduce light spill. The north side will be operational very soon, with the south side due to be completed by the end of the month.
Amongst other schemes, we are currently seeking expressions of interest for an exciting new art commission in Norbury.
Congratulations Team Croydon!
Congratulations to everyone who represented Croydon at this year’s Better Games and helped secure gold for the second year running.
The Games are organised by our leisure operator, Better, and a record 80 participants, aged 60 and over, competed across 11 sports against more than 1,000 people from across London, the South East and the Midlands. From badminton and swimming to walking football, walking, netball and pickleball, Team Croydon did us proud. It is great to see Croydon leading the way in active ageing.
Community Collection Days pilot
Our Community Collection Days pilot starts tomorrow (Saturday) in Spring Park, Shirley, from 10am to 1pm.
Following my election commitment, we are working with local Residents’ Associations to help residents dispose of unwanted bulky household items for free. This will help to tackle fly-tipping and keep Croydon cleaner.
This supports my zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping, with further collection days planned across the borough. Find out which streets are participating and upcoming collection dates here.
Invest in Croydon Conference
On Thursday (12 November) I will be speaking at the Invest in Croydon Conference 2026, which brings together businesses, investors and partners to showcase everything our borough has to offer. I will be joined by Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London for Business, and Pierre-Hugues Schmit, Chief Executive of London Gatwick.
Over the past four years, we have rebuilt confidence, secured more than £1.2bn of inward investment, progressed major regeneration opportunities and strengthened Croydon’s position as London’s southern powerhouse.There is much more to do – unlocking stalled sites in the town centre, attracting further investment and tackling the issues that can hold back confidence and growth. I look forward to meeting with investors, businesses and local partners at the event and exploring how we can work together to realise that aspiration. Find out more.
Meeting students at Quest Academy
It was a pleasure to visit The Quest Academy this week and speak to Year 11 students as they prepare for their mock GCSEs. My message was simple: work hard, stay determined and make the most of opportunities when they come your way. Supporting young people to achieve their potential is incredibly important to me, and I wish everyone sitting mock exams the very best of luck.
Remembrance Sunday
On Remembrance Sunday, I will be honoured to join the Civic Mayor, members of the Armed Forces and veterans at the Cenotaph in Katharine Street, where we will observe a two-minute silence at 11am.
These moments provide an important opportunity for us to come together as a community, remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy today because of their service. Everyone is welcome. There will also be a service at Croydon Minster at 5.30pm as well as services of remembrance across the borough. Full details can be found here.
Sandilands 10th anniversary
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Sandilands tram derailment, in which seven people lost their lives and more than 60 people were injured. A memorial ceremony will be held in New Addington, where we will remember those who died.
Although a decade has passed, the tragedy remains firmly in the thoughts of many people across Croydon. As this significant anniversary approaches, my thoughts are with the families, friends and all those whose lives were changed by that terrible day. Further information about the ceremony is available here.
Have a good weekend.
Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon
