Croydon Council is preparing a major transformation of the area surrounding historic Croydon Minster, as part of the wider regeneration of Croydon town centre.
The Council will make the space greener and safer by closing the subway and restoring the area around the Minster, funded through its Growth Zone programme.
The project supports Conservative Mayor Jason Perry’s Town Centre Vision - to create a more welcoming, accessible and vibrant town centre, while celebrating Croydon’s rich history.
The Council has worked closely with Croydon Minster, residents and community groups to shape the plans. Key priorities include preserving the medieval church - which has served as a place of worship since the 9th century - and creating a more welcoming space that tackles antisocial behaviour by targeting known hotspots.
An exhibition will be held at Croydon Minster from Tuesday 25 November until Saturday 29 November, where the community can view the designs in detail. More information is available on the Croydon Urban Room website.
Proposals include a new public area in front of the Minster, a sculpture, trees framing views of the church, wildflower planting and lighting to highlight the Minster at night.
The subway will be in-filled, with improved access to the pedestrian crossing and the Minster, making the route between the town centre and church significantly easier and safer.
The Council has been working with the community through focus groups, exhibitions and heritage walks, helping to shape a realistic plan that reflects community priorities and delivers long-term benefits.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2026 and complete by the summer.
“We are very proud and fortunate to have such a historic church as Croydon Minster in our borough.
This project aims to celebrate and protect the Minster - creating a safer, more accessible and pleasant green space, so that everyone can enjoy this local landmark. I am delighted that we will be able to deliver these improvements by next summer.”
-Jason Perry, Conservative Mayor of Croydon
The project is funded through the Growth Zone, which enables the Council to reinvest business rates into local infrastructure and regeneration improvements, with support from the Greater London Authority and Transport for London.
