A bold new vision for Croydon town centre

At the start of a New Year, many of us will be taking stock –reflecting on where we are and looking to our future. As Executive Mayor of Croydon, I want to build on the achievements of the past year.

This means driving forward a bold new vision for our town centre; helping our high streets to thrive and backing our businesses, so that together we boost our local economy. Most importantly, I want to make sure that our growth benefits all our residents, businesses and partners, and that they can access a wealth of new opportunities, in our borough and beyond.

In 2025, it is clearer than ever that Croydon has a vital role to play in our city’s future. As the gateway between London and the South-East, our borough’s success is critical to our capital’s growth. That is why in both my roles as Executive Mayor of Croydon, and as London Council’s Executive Member for London’s Future, I am looking forward to the launch of the London Growth Plan next month. Developed by London Councils and the Greater London Authority (GLA), the plan promotes close collaboration between Councils, communities and businesses to maximise our city’s success, for the benefit of everyone who lives and works in London. By strengthening existing partnerships, and forging new ones, we will create neighbourhoods where talent is nurtured, innovation is celebrated and jobs, opportunities and growth are created.

In Croydon we have a wealth of talent, and some fantastic assets, from centres for innovation like London South Bank University (LSBU), to our excellent transport links connecting coast to capital. I look forward to working with all our partners locally and across London to unlock our city’s potential and put our borough on the map as a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning.

Key to Croydon’s growth is the regeneration of our town centre, and this is an absolute priority for me. I’m pleased that in past year we have achieved some important milestones, including the development of our Town Centre Regeneration Strategy and the launch of the Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield masterplan framework. This year I will continue to work with a huge range of partners locally, regionally and nationally, and with our residents, to bring forward a fresh vision that befits our town centre and is right for Croydon’s future. As we progress our longer-term regeneration plans, we are progressing immediate, tangible improvements in central Croydon, making it a more attractive destination for all. From initiatives like our Town Centre Taskforce, which is making Croydon cleaner and safer, to the refurbishment of the historic and muchloved Allders site, visitors can look forward to some exciting changes in 2025.

Another upcoming project set to improve our public spaces and restore pride is Amplifying Surrey Street – one of the oldest known street markets in Britain. A trading place and cultural hub since 1276, Surrey Street Market occupies a special place in the heart of our old town – as well as in the hearts of our residents. We successfully bid for £814,000 from the Greater London Authority (GLA) so that we can preserve and enhance the market’s rich heritage, while encouraging its growth and protecting its future. Through Amplifying Surrey Street, we will be reactivating empty shops and spaces, bringing them back into life for use by culture, arts and community groups. We’ll also be working to create safer, greener public spaces. Local people – residents and traders – have been involved in shaping our plans and we have listened to their views on how we can improve the area. We will be working with all of them to progress this project in the coming months.

Supporting local businesses is central to our plans for Croydon’s future growth, and this will continue in 2025. Last year, we awarded businesses in retail and hospitality in Surrey Street, High Street, and George Street, up to £15,000 each for building improvements. Funded by the Greater London Authority, the Vibrant Street Grants supports projects that enhance business premises, to a total of £180,000. This will make a real difference to the look and feel of the area, making it more attractive for residents, businesses and visitors.

We have achieved much in 2024, but there is so much more we can do to unlock Croydon’s boundless potential. I look forward to working closely with businesses and partner organisations across South East London so that, together, we can achieve our shared aims for a successful 2025.