Croydon Council has signed a funding agreement with Network Rail to unlock public access through the East Croydon station bridge, delivering a major improvement to town centre connectivity.

The bridge links the station's east and west sides and, once works are finished, will be open to pedestrians at both ends for the first time. This will give Addiscombe residents a direct route into the town centre and offer commuters and visitors a simple, fully accessible way to get around.

The council has worked with Network Rail and developer Menta Regeneration to agree how the eastern entrance will be completed and how the bridge will be maintained in future. Menta Regeneration is the developer behind The Blossoms on Cherry Orchard Road, which connects to the bridge via a public square.

Funding arrangements between the three partners have now been finalised and all necessary planning approvals are in place. Network Rail's contractor is expected to begin work this summer.

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Opening the link will be a significant milestone in improving movement in and around East Croydon and supports Executive Mayor Jason Perry’s wider plans to regenerate the town centre and attract investment.

Ten projects are being delivered through a £40m programme led by Mayor Perry to make Croydon more welcoming, better connected and easier to navigate. These include a new street‑level crossing on Wellesley Road and the closure of the pedestrian subway, alongside major upgrades in Dingwall Road with smoother pavement surfaces, more welcoming seating areas, a redesigned layout and safer crossings.

George Street has also seen new paving and improved crossings, plus new motorcycle parking near the junction with Dingwall Road to help keep delivery drivers off the pavement.

Network Rail Sussex Route Director Lucy McAuliffe said: "We're pleased to have reached this milestone, working in partnership with Croydon Council and Menta Regeneration. This new eastern pedestrian route will greatly improve accessibility and connectivity in the area, and we look forward to bringing these long‑awaited benefits into use for Croydon residents and our customers.

"Reaching this point has taken longer than we would have liked, and we appreciate the continued patience of residents and passengers throughout. I’m really pleased that collectively, we are now able to proceed into the delivery phase ahead of completion in 2027."