Croydon Council approves plans to revive Purley Pool with a new leisure centre, affordable homes, and public square, marking a major step in town centre regeneration.
Croydon Council’s Planning Committee has given the green light to ambitious proposals for a new leisure centre on the former Purley Pool site, marking a key milestone in the long-awaited regeneration of the area. The approved development includes a state-of-the-art swimming facility, housing for older residents, and a public square aimed at revitalising the town centre.
The application was submitted by Polaska, the long-term leaseholders of the High Street site, and has been subject to ongoing revisions and public consultation since its initial submission in 2023. The plans, which passed through committee on 28 February, will now proceed to the Greater London Authority for final consideration.
At the heart of the development is a new leisure centre, which will feature a 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool, a separate training pool, an 80-station fitness suite, studio space, soft play area, and a café overlooking the training pool. The leisure centre aims to serve residents of all ages and promote healthier lifestyles, in line with the Mayor’s Business Plan 2022–26 that champions a cleaner, safer, and healthier borough.
This marks a major step forward in returning swimming facilities to the heart of Purley. The previous pool closed in March 2020, leaving the community without a local swimming option. Since taking office, Executive Mayor Jason Perry has made the return of a pool to Purley one of his top priorities.
“We have been working with Polaska on their proposals and listening to the views of our residents to make sure that the proposals are right for the Purley community.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor
“Bringing a pool back to Purley has always been a key commitment of mine,” said Mayor Perry following the committee’s decision. “We’ve worked closely with Polaska and listened to the community throughout this process. These proposals have evolved to better reflect the needs of residents, with more affordable housing, enhanced public realm, and increased parking.”
In addition to the leisure centre, the development includes a “later living” housing scheme comprising 180 homes and a care home, helping to meet Croydon’s growing demand for accommodation for older people. The scheme also integrates 10% affordable housing following public feedback – a key change from the original plans.
The regeneration element of the project is also significant. A new public square will be created to serve as a central meeting space for the community and anchor the High Street’s renewal. The area will also benefit from a distinctive public realm strategy designed to reflect the local character of Purley. Importantly, a new pedestrian link will connect Whytecliffe Road South to the High Street, improving access between Purley railway station and the town centre.
To address concerns around parking and accessibility, the Planning Committee approved a condition to increase public parking provision from 50 to 74 spaces – a move intended to support both leisure centre users and town centre visitors.
The proposals had been through several revisions since the original application, with a formal consultation period held from 9 January this year. Local feedback influenced several of the final amendments, including the commitment to affordable homes and increased public amenities.
Mayor Perry welcomed the Planning Committee’s approval, noting that while the plans are still subject to approval by the Greater London Authority due to the size and scope of the development, the decision moves the project significantly closer to delivery.
“This isn’t just about bricks and mortar,” Perry said. “It’s about restoring pride in Purley, creating a vibrant, welcoming place for residents and visitors, and building a community asset that promotes health and wellbeing. I look forward to continuing to work with Polaska to see this vision through.”
The redevelopment of the Purley Pool site is seen as a catalyst for further investment in the town centre, which has struggled with high street decline in recent years. The council hopes that the combination of new housing, improved public space, and a modern leisure facility will provide a much-needed economic and social boost for the area.
The full application will now be reviewed by the Greater London Authority as part of the formal process required for major developments. If approved, work could begin within the next year, with the leisure centre and housing expected to open in stages.
