A programme of works is set to start this month on enhancing five district centres across Croydon, after the Council secured £833k from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) in 2024/25.
The projects were allocated the funding by Executive Mayor Jason Perry to support local businesses and job retention by attracting people to the district centres. The five areas to benefit are West Croydon (London Road), New Addington, Thornton Heath, Selsdon and Purley.
The projects, will see improvements to public realm and green spaces, support the Executive Mayor’s priority of regenerating and boosting pride in the borough’s districts and town centre, as set out in the Mayor’s Business Plan 2022-2026.
In New Addington, the market square stage and boundary walls in Central Parade will be refurbished and improved to support community events. There will be improvement works to the Octagon façade, which is host to the New Addington Pathfinders who provide support services across the district centre and area.
In Thornton Heath, a new learning garden will be created in Collier’s Water Lane, where school children can learn about food growth and nature through gardening activities, caring for raised beds and observing micro-habitats.
In West Croydon, and along London Road, the UKSPF funding will be used to set up power supply and support community events, as well as a new market. The new night and weekend market on Harris Invictus Academy forecourt is being organised by London Road Traders Association.
Footfall to High Street businesses in Purley and Selsdon are also hoped to get a boost by improvement works to district centres. In Purley, these include public art, lighting and green space improvements in collaboration with Purley BID (Business Improvement District). In Selsdon, new signage will help direct people towards the High Street and local green spaces, and shop plaques will be introduced to celebrate local history in Selsdon’s 100th year.
The Council has been working with local partners and community groups to plan the projects. Engagement included activities with pupils from Whitehorse Manor Schools – Brigstock Site, to find out what they would like to see at the learning garden.
“We are delighted that these projects are getting underway, which will help local businesses and communities across the borough with this welcome £833k of investment.
“We have been working with our partners and communities in these five areas to find out how their high streets can most benefit from the funding available, and their input has been essential in shaping these plans.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
UKSPF funding aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK, by investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. The £833k awarded is part of a wider package of £2.6m the Council successfully bid for Croydon. Other projects include the Council establishing a Young Entrepreneurs Academy, to support Croydon’s next generation of entrepreneurs, aged 18-35.
