The delivery phase of a major high street improvement program has officially launched this month across four of Croydon’s district centers. Funded by a £600,000 grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the initiative focuses on targeted, community-led projects designed to enhance the look, feel, and function of local hubs. Rather than focusing on large-scale redevelopment, the funding is being spent on smaller-scale improvements identified by local Neighborhood Boards: groups of residents and businesses who decide how the money is best utilized for their specific areas. In Coulsdon, £150,000 has been allocated for projects including The Hive community garden, which will feature new insect habitat signage and greening works. Brighton Road is also set to benefit from new raised planters with integrated seating and virtual wayfinding maps to help visitors navigate the town.
Addiscombe is seeing a major focus on safety and accessibility, with new zebra crossings being installed at key junctions near St Mildred’s Church and the Lower Addiscombe Road intersection. These works, supported by additional funding from Transport for London, aim to make the residential shopping area more pedestrian-friendly. In South Croydon, the emphasis is on supporting the area’s identity as a premier dining destination. The Restaurant Quarter and Selsdon Road are receiving public art banners, feature paving, and new tree planting to enhance the visitor experience. Meanwhile, Norbury is addressing long-standing accessibility issues with the resurfacing of the St Helens Green Triangle and the Green Lane shopping parade.
This hyper-localized approach ensures that the funding addresses specific pain points for residents while supporting local businesses. Executive Mayor Jason Perry noted that these projects are essential for restoring pride in our borough’s district centers, making them safer and more welcoming places to live, work, and visit. The program delivery funding, which began in early 2026, marks the start of a visible transformation that will continue throughout the year. By empowering local communities to shape their own high streets, Croydon is fostering a sense of ownership and pride that goes beyond simple infrastructure upgrades.
These improvements are a key component of the wider Growth Plan, aimed at attracting new visitors and investors to the borough’s diverse neighborhoods. The focus on greening and streetscape reflects a broader commitment to making Croydon a more sustainable and attractive place for all. As these projects come to fruition, they will serve as local landmarks of community action and municipal support. Residents are encouraged to continue engaging with their Neighborhood Boards as the next phase of planning begins. By working together, the borough is ensuring that every high street, from the town center to the outer districts, reflects the vibrant spirit of its people.
