Croydon has faced real challenges in recent years. When I was elected Mayor in 2022, the council had gone bankrupt and confidence in our borough had been badly damaged.
But step by step we are turning things around.
We are fixing the basics, restoring pride in our borough and rebuilding confidence in Croydon as a place to invest.
Croydon is back on track.
The launch of The Croydon Project is another major step forward for our town centre and for Croydon’s future.
Croydon’s town centre has enormous potential. For too long that potential has been held back. Now we are beginning to see real momentum again.
That’s why I welcome the launch of The Croydon Project – a bold new vision to regenerate Croydon town centre and restore it as the economic and creative capital of South London.
Led by URW as master developer, the project will see the transformation of Centrale, the Whitgift Centre and Allders, alongside improvements to North End and surrounding streets.
The ambition is simple: a modern, mixed-use town centre with new homes, welcoming public spaces and a better mix of shops, restaurants, culture and leisure – a place that is busy, safer and full of life from day through to night.
Croydon is back on track
When I was elected Mayor in 2022, Croydon had been through an incredibly difficult period. The council had effectively gone bankrupt and confidence in our borough had been badly damaged.
Since then we have focused on fixing the basics, restoring financial stability and rebuilding confidence in Croydon as a place to invest.
Step by step that work is paying off.
Major partners are engaging again. Investment is returning. And Croydon is firmly back on track.
The Croydon Project is another sign that confidence in Croydon’s future is returning.
A new heart for the town centre
The emerging plans set out an exciting vision for the future of the town centre.
They include:
- A new public square creating a vibrant civic heart for Croydon
- A better mix of shops, restaurants and leisure spaces
- New homes bringing life back into the centre of town
- Cultural and creative spaces reflecting Croydon’s identity
- Improved connections and walkways across the town centre
- The restoration of historic buildings like Allders while giving them a new future
Importantly, the project will be delivered in phases, allowing improvements to begin early while longer-term regeneration continues.
We are already seeing early signs of progress. Allders Parade has reopened with new activity on North End, and planning applications are being brought forward to improve Centrale and progress the wider masterplan.
Have your say
The next stage of consultation is now underway and this is an opportunity for residents, businesses and community groups to shape the plans.
Pop-up events will be taking place across the borough where you can see the latest proposals and speak directly with the project team.
These will be held at:
- North End – Thursday 12 March, 3pm–6pm
- New Addington Market – Friday 13 March, 10am–1pm
- Norwood Junction / Norwood High Street – Tuesday 17 March, 2pm–6pm
- Surrey Street Market – Thursday 19 March, 11am–2pm
You can also view the plans and share your feedback online.
Let’s keep Croydon moving forward
Croydon has faced huge challenges in recent years, but we are making real progress.
We are restoring pride in our borough, rebuilding confidence and creating the conditions for investment and regeneration.
Croydon is back on track.
Now is not the time to risk that progress by changing course. We must keep moving forward, working with partners, residents and businesses to deliver the town centre Croydon deserves.
The Croydon Project is an important step in that journey.
I encourage everyone to take a look at the plans and have their say.
Together we can build a town centre Croydon can be proud of again.
