Croydon Council has detailed a £1.5 million investment plan aimed at revitalising high streets, enhancing public infrastructure, and boosting community pride.

The funding, secured through the Government's Pride in Place Programme, will be directed toward a series of targeted improvement projects scheduled for completion by March 2027.

The investment strategy was developed following consultations with local residents and the borough's four MPs to identify priority areas. The initiative is a key component of Executive Mayor Jason Perry's commitment to driving regeneration and fostering growth throughout Croydon.

Several local parks are set to receive significant upgrades:

• Addiscombe Recreation Ground: A long-vacant building will be converted into a new community hub suitable for events or a café, complemented by refurbished public toilets.

• Edgecoombe Playground (Selsdon): The existing play area will undergo extensive improvements.

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• Wandle Park: Enhanced lighting and pathway upgrades will be installed to improve safety and accessibility.

• Waddon Ponds: Viewing platforms will be upgraded and the existing mess room will be refurbished.

• Millers Pond (Sanderstead): The community area surrounding the pond will be improved.

• The Queen's Gardens: Access to the sunken garden in the town centre will be enhanced.

In addition to park improvements, the borough's four new community hubs—located in former library buildings in Broad Green, Bradmore Green, Sanderstead, and Shirley—will receive accessibility modifications. Infrastructure works are also planned for Norbury, where the Green Lane shopping parade will receive new paving and the High Street will be enhanced with new public art installations.

Beyond this immediate funding, New Addington North has been designated for long-term support as one of only two London neighbourhoods in the wider Pride in Place Programme. This separate scheme could secure up to £20 million over the next decade. The Council is currently in the early stages of this project and is seeking a volunteer Chair to lead the initiative.

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said: "We are planning to use this funding to deliver meaningful improvements to the public spaces across our borough. Our parks, our high streets, and our shared spaces are the backbone of community life, and we have taken time to listen to residents and partners to understand which areas matter to them and are in most need of investment. We are determined to make them safer, more welcoming and inviting places where residents can feel proud to spend time and come together."