Croydon Council, Network Rail and Menta Regeneration have restated their commitment to collaborating to ensure the bridge linking the east and west side of East Croydon Station is opened to the public as quickly as possible. This follows a recent meeting with residents regarding the completion of the public walkway over the station.

In 2013, the intention of Network Rail and the Council was to invest more than £20m of public and private funds into the development of an east to west foot bridge, spanning the platforms at East Croydon station. The Council provided a contribution of up to £6m towards its design and construction in phased payments, on the basis that the connecting Menta development came forward on the eastern side.

Unfortunately, the Menta development was not able to commence at that time and the eastern connection could not be progressed. A new planning consent and agreement was put in place in 2019, which has now been built. As part of this Menta has committed £15m to deliver the link piece to connect the new step and lift access to the existing bridge, together with significant new public realm for the wider Addiscombe community, all of which has now been completed.

The pedestrian through route side of the bridge has sadly not been maintained and, therefore, requires work and investment to bring the surface and surrounding structure up to safety standards and specification.

A timetable of how and when the bridge will be completed is being developed. These discussions include the need to complete outstanding repair works to the pedestrian through route side of the bridge, the completion of the connecting works to the Menta link piece and public realm and introducing the necessary CCTV, lighting and monitoring arrangements to ensure the bridge offers safe passage for residents.

The parties have committed to provide improved communication and engagement with the public and partners in the form of updates and timelines of when this work is due to be carried out.

“I share residents’ concerns that the East Croydon footbridge needs to be completed and that the vital pedestrian route connecting east to west needs to be open as soon as possible.

“This project ran into complications which delayed its completion, but I am determined to work with our partners, Network Rail and Menta to get the job done.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon