Since becoming Executive Mayor, I have been determined to kickstart the regeneration of Croydon and restore pride to our town centre. That’s why I’m delighted that we’ve secured £18.5m of government Levelling Up funding for our Reconnecting Croydon scheme. The six infrastructure and public realm projects will improve connections in the town centre, so that residents and visitors will be able to travel safer and easier.
Soon we will be starting our engagement sessions on the town centre regeneration strategy. This will give residents, businesses and partners the chance to share their vision of a revitalised town centre and ensure everyone’s voice is heard – details will be available shortly. Last week I attended the Connecting Croydon event at the Royal Russell School which provides business owners and charities with the chance to meet, network, and support each other, towards a great and confident Croydon together.
It was great to be at the opening of the new Northborough Road Playground in Norbury. This is the fifth playground that has benefited from the Playground Investment Programme. We are working with local residents and Friends of Parks groups to ensure these changes to playgrounds are shaped through listening to the input from the community.
Congratulations to local charities ASKI and Croydon Vision who were announced as the much-deserved recipients of the King’s Award for voluntary services. Announced annually on the King’s birthday it is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. Earlier this year Croydon confectionary brand Monty Bojangles won the first ever King’s Award for enterprise.
Tomorrow is White Ribbon Day, a national day that raises awareness of violence against women and girls. I am committed to making Croydon a safer place for women and girls and our Family Justice Centre supports women who are victims of domestic abuse.
If you are affected by these issues see the council website for how to get support.
Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon
