URL: https://democracy.croydon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2570

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: Croydon is London’s single biggest regeneration and investment opportunity. This report provides an update on the Council’s Growth Plan, Town Centre Vision and Town Centre Regeneration Programme, funded by a combination of Levelling Up Fund (LUF), Growth Zone (GZ) and other finance totalling almost £40M.   The key long term sustainable solution to Croydon’s current financial difficulties is to lead and enable local economic growth, building new homes, creating new jobs and businesses, with the multiplier effect of increased spending in the local economy and increased income to the Council through business rates and council tax. Growth and regeneration are thus core elements of the Council’s Target Operating Model approved by Cabinet in February 2025 and Transformation plans. As part of the Council’s adoption of a new Target Operating Model, the core themes of a Town Centre Vision for the regeneration of the town centre were cited as a critical enabler in improving services for residents and driving investment into the borough.   Croydon has history, heart and hustle. This report demonstrates how the Council is making progress in implementing its new Croydon Growth Plan, Town Centre Vision and Regeneration Programme. The Regeneration Programme aims to draw more people into the town centre by improving connectivity, the environment and delivering a programme of activities to support the regeneration and vitality of the town centre. This programme links with and enables the work of partners such as Unibail?Rodamco?Westfield (URW) to deliver their endorsed masterplan, setting out bold proposals for new homes, restaurants, shops, venues, tree-lined walkways and a new public square. The Council also continues to invest in upskilling local people, for example, supporting London South Bank University so that residents can benefit from new job opportunities, as economic regeneration gathers pace.   Wellesley Road is being reconnected with a major new pedestrian crossing now underway to better link East Croydon to the heart of the town. George Street, Dingwell Road, and North End are being revitalised with new greenery, lighting, wayfinding and cultural activation. In the next couple of months, a host of new shops will open in the iconic ‘Allders Parade’, reinvigorating North End and improving the retail offering.   Improvements to Surrey Street, home to one of Britain’s oldest markets, will provide better economic opportunities for traders and local businesses. The Council is also investing in district centres across the borough through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme, for example, supporting the Croydon Food and Music Festival, Croydon’s biggest festival, drawing thousands into the restaurant quarter and supporting the local economy.   Delivery of growth and regeneration plans, including improved social, economic, cultural and physical infrastructure, is closely aligned with the Executive Mayor’s Business Plan 2022 – 2026.   To support the delivery of the Town Centre Vision, Croydon Growth Plan and Regeneration Programme the Executive Mayor Jason Perry has convened the Croydon Regeneration Partnership Board with key strategic partners to ensure a shared vision, focus and clarity regarding responsibilities to promote the undeniable Croydon regeneration opportunity at the local, regional and national level. With plans, pipeline, momentum, footfall, connectivity, and critical mass, Croydon is ready for investment and growth. Delivery is underway and set to expand further.

Content: Croydon is London’s single biggest regeneration and investment opportunity. This report provides an update on the Council’s Growth Plan, Town Centre Vision and Town Centre Regeneration Programme, funded by a combination of Levelling Up Fund (LUF), Growth Zone (GZ) and other finance totalling almost £40M.   The key long term sustainable solution to Croydon’s current financial difficulties is to lead and enable local economic growth, building new homes, creating new jobs and businesses, with the multiplier effect of increased spending in the local economy and increased income to the Council through business rates and council tax. Growth and regeneration are thus core elements of the Council’s Target Operating Model approved by Cabinet in February 2025 and Transformation plans. As part of the Council’s adoption of a new Target Operating Model, the core themes of a Town Centre Vision for the regeneration of the town centre were cited as a critical enabler in improving services for residents and driving investment into the borough.   Croydon has history, heart and hustle. This report demonstrates how the Council is making progress in implementing its new Croydon Growth Plan, Town Centre Vision and Regeneration Programme. The Regeneration Programme aims to draw more people into the town centre by improving connectivity, the environment and delivering a programme of activities to support the regeneration and vitality of the town centre. This programme links with and enables the work of partners such as Unibail?Rodamco?Westfield (URW) to deliver their endorsed masterplan, setting out bold proposals for new homes, restaurants, shops, venues, tree-lined walkways and a new public square. The Council also continues to invest in upskilling local people, for example, supporting London South Bank University so that residents can benefit from new job opportunities, as economic regeneration gathers pace.   Wellesley Road is being reconnected with a major new pedestrian crossing now underway to better link East Croydon to the heart of the town. George Street, Dingwell Road, and North End are being revitalised with new greenery, lighting, wayfinding and cultural activation. In the next couple of months, a host of new shops will open in the iconic ‘Allders Parade’, reinvigorating North End and improving the retail offering.   Improvements to Surrey Street, home to one of Britain’s oldest markets, will provide better economic opportunities for traders and local businesses. The Council is also investing in district centres across the borough through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme, for example, supporting the Croydon Food and Music Festival, Croydon’s biggest festival, drawing thousands into the restaurant quarter and supporting the local economy.   Delivery of growth and regeneration plans, including improved social, economic, cultural and physical infrastructure, is closely aligned with the Executive Mayor’s Business Plan 2022 – 2026.   To support the delivery of the Town Centre Vision, Croydon Growth Plan and Regeneration Programme the Executive Mayor Jason Perry has convened the Croydon Regeneration Partnership Board with key strategic partners to ensure a shared vision, focus and clarity regarding responsibilities to promote the undeniable Croydon regeneration opportunity at the local, regional and national level. With plans, pipeline, momentum, footfall, connectivity, and critical mass, Croydon is ready for investment and growth. Delivery is underway and set to expand further. For the reasons set out in the report, the Executive Mayor and Cabinet AGREED:   2.1. To note the ongoing promotion and dissemination of the Croydon Growth Plan as set out in section 5; and   2.2. To note the progress with delivery of the Town Centre Regeneration Programme as set out in section 5.

Date of Decision: September 24, 2025