Croydon has set out an ambitious new Growth Plan and Town Centre Vision aimed at transforming the borough into one of London’s leading destinations for investment, regeneration, and opportunity.
Unveiled by Executive Mayor Jason Perry at BOXPARK in East Croydon, the plan outlines a comprehensive framework for unlocking economic growth and revitalising the town centre. An initial £30 million of secured funding will support a programme of targeted improvements across five key areas, each selected for their strategic potential.
The new Town Centre Vision focuses on: the North End Quarter, East Croydon, West Croydon, the Cultural Quarter, and the Heritage Quarter. Among the planned developments are the reopening of the pedestrian link bridge at East Croydon station, and the creation of green spaces linking College Green and Fairfield Halls—aimed at enhancing accessibility, environmental sustainability, and public realm quality.
Mayor Perry said: “Now is the time for Croydon to fulfil its promise as one of London’s most exciting growth boroughs. This Vision sets out a bold, deliverable plan—one that will attract new homes, businesses, visitors and investment.
“With infrastructure in place, more than £30 million of secured funding, and a clear spatial framework, we are giving the market confidence. Backed by a strong track record on planning and collaboration, Croydon is ready—and open for business.”
Already one of London’s most affordable boroughs, Croydon is planning for the delivery of over 10,000 new homes within the next five years—supporting the wider target of 34,000 homes by 2039.
Its outstanding transport connectivity continues to make Croydon an attractive investment destination, with journey times of just 14 minutes to London Bridge, 16 minutes to Victoria, and 15 minutes to Gatwick Airport. Croydon is also home to London’s only Tramlink system, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
Local businesses and developers welcomed the announcement. Ben Mclaughlin, Chief Operations Officer at BOXPARK, said: “BOXPARK chose Croydon as its second location in 2016, recognising the potential of East Croydon’s urban district and the strength of its community and business ecosystem.
“We continue to see Croydon as a great place to invest and have recently opened Playbox, a new competitive socialising venue, to help grow the borough’s leisure and retail economy.”
The launch attracted backing from City Hall, with Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, stating: “With strong existing infrastructure and major investment planned in its town centre, Croydon has a major role to play in driving the inclusive and sustainable growth we need to see across London over the next decade.”
The plan aligns closely with the wider London Growth Plan, and Croydon is leveraging its young, diverse population and strong business partnerships—such as Develop Croydon, which brings together 65 investors, landowners and developers—to deliver meaningful regeneration.
As Croydon moves into this new phase of its development journey, the council’s message is clear: the borough is primed for investment, open for business, and determined to become a model of modern, sustainable urban renewal.
