Mayor Jason Perry has launched a new drive to remove the barriers facing local entrepreneurs who want to open shops and businesses in Croydon’s high streets and district centres.
For too long, starting a business in a local shop unit has meant navigating a maze of disconnected information.
Who owns the property?
How much is the rent?
Is any business support available?
What does the unit actually look like inside?
Is there a floor plan?
The answers are often scattered across multiple websites, held by different agents, or not easily accessible at all. That confusion creates delay. Delay creates doubt. And doubt prevents empty units from being brought back into use.
The result? Shuttered shopfronts that damage confidence and hold back our high streets.
Mayor Jason Perry - who has run a local family business for over 30 years - understands these frustrations first-hand. He knows that local entrepreneurs do not need more bureaucracy. They need clarity, transparency and a fair chance to get started.
That is why Croydon Council, in partnership with Develop Croydon, has launched Croydon Commercial.
A single place to find commercial premises
Croydon Commercial is a new digital platform bringing together up-to-date listings of vacant shops, offices and industrial spaces available to rent across the borough.
Instead of searching multiple sources, entrepreneurs can now view:
- Available commercial units across Croydon
- Key property details
- Location information
- Opportunities in high streets and district centres
- Clear routes to make enquiries
By putting this information in one place, the platform reduces friction, speeds up decision-making and makes it easier for businesses to take the leap.
This is about turning “maybe one day” into “let’s get started.”
Part of the Mayor’s plan to rejuvenate our high streets
Supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, and creating more opportunities for skills and learning, are key priorities set out in the Mayor’s Business Plan.
Croydon Commercial forms part of the wider Croydon Growth Plan - focused on attracting inward investment, reviving our high streets and restoring pride in the borough.
Recent improvements have already been delivered, including better transport links and enhanced green spaces. But vibrant high streets depend on thriving businesses. And thriving businesses depend on accessible opportunities.
A practical solution to a real problem
Mayor Jason Perry said:
“Croydon Commercial makes it easier than ever for businesses to find the right space and invest in our borough. By showcasing the range of commercial opportunities available, we’re supporting local entrepreneurs, attracting new investment and helping to drive Croydon’s economic growth. Projects like this are helping to restore pride in our borough and are putting Croydon on the map as a place where residents and businesses can thrive.”
This is not about grand promises. It is about removing practical obstacles.
If we want fewer empty shops, we must make it easier for people to open them.
If we want stronger high streets, we must back local entrepreneurs.
If we want Croydon to grow, we must make investment straightforward.
Croydon Commercial is a clear step in that direction: https://croydoncommercial.com/
Property owners who would like to have their commercial premises included on Croydon Commercial can email:
[email protected]
Croydon is open for business - and now it is easier than ever to find the right space.
