Plans for a new leisure centre on the former Purley Pool site, along with wider improvements to the town centre, are continuing to move forward.

In February 2025, Croydon’s Planning Committee approved proposals from developer Polaska for a new leisure centre, later living homes and a public square. Before planning permission can be formally issued, a Section 106 legal agreement needs to be completed and signed.

As part of this process, the Council asked Polaska to register a UK based entity with whom the Council could enter into the contractual relationship, rather than the Polaska British Virgin Islands based entity. Polaska UK has been created and the S106 will be signed with that entity. Additionally, the leasehold interest in the site has been assigned to that UK entity.

As part of the restructuring needed to create the UK entity, to meet the Council’s requirements, Polaska has placed the British Virgin Islands entity into administration. Polaska BVI being in administration has no impact on the Purley Pool project as the Council’s legal relationship is with Polaska UK.

The assignment of the lease to the UK entity allows the Section 106 agreement to be finalised and the planning permission formally issued.

The plans, which have also been reviewed and supported by the Greater London Authority (GLA), include a new leisure centre with a 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool, training pool, 80-station gym, studio space, cafe and soft play facilities.

The wider development would also provide later living homes, a care home, a new public square and improvements to public spaces, helping to support the regeneration of Purley town centre.

Bringing a swimming pool back to Purley supports the Mayor’s Business Plan 2026-30 commitment to improve leisure facilities across the borough and ensure regeneration delivers benefits for local communities.

“I know many residents are keen to see a swimming pool return to Purley and to see progress on this important town centre site.

“Before the planning permission can be formally issued, 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.

“We remain fully committed to delivering a new swimming pool and leisure centre for Purley, making it easier for residents to stay active and supporting the regeneration of the town centre for everyone who lives, works and spends time there.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon