Four key district centres in Croydon are poised for visible enhancements to their streets and public spaces within weeks, thanks to a £600,000 government funding pot. The money, secured from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), will finance a series of targeted improvements aimed at boosting the appearance and accessibility of local hubs.
Community-Led Plans for Local Centres
The investment, confirmed for the 2025/26 financial year, will be shared between Coulsdon, Addiscombe, Norbury and South Croydon. Unlike large-scale redevelopment, the UKSPF scheme focuses on smaller, community-shaped projects designed to have a direct impact on how these areas look, function and feel for residents and visitors. All funding comes from central government and Transport for London (TfL), not from Croydon Council's own reserves.
Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, stated the schemes are "about making everyday improvements to places people use regularly" to support local centres and their communities. Work is expected to begin in January 2026.
Where the Money is Going: A Area-by-Area Breakdown
Coulsdon is set to receive £150,000. Plans developed with local groups include new virtual wayfinding maps on Brighton Road and Chipstead Valley Road, alongside wayfinding seats. Greening works with raised planters and integrated seating are proposed for Brighton Road. A notable feature will be an insect habitat sign to highlight The Hive community garden behind Coulsdon Library. "We are pleased to have the investment," said Hive member Gill Hickson, welcoming any initiative that draws attention to the garden.
In Addiscombe, works on Lower Addiscombe Road will include new festive lighting, a community noticeboard and upgrades to the Addiscombe Triangle. Separately, TfL-funded road safety improvements are scheduled for January on the A232. These will feature:
- A new zebra crossing at the junction of Lower Addiscombe Road and Bingham Road.
- A new zebra crossing on Bingham Road, opposite St Mildred's Church.
- A raised junction treatment at the junction of Bingham Road and Shirley Road.
Two parking bays will be removed to improve visibility for the new Lower Addiscombe Road crossing.
For Norbury, the focus is on St Helens Green Triangle and the Green Lane shopping parade. Planned works involve resurfacing and additional planting. Residents from the Scots Estate Norbury Residents' Association (SERA) have called for better pavement maintenance and improved safety measures. Member Jocelyn emphasised a desire for basics: "Frankly, I'd just be happy to be able to walk down there after dark without fear."
South Croydon will see public art banners, feature paving and new tree planting in the Restaurant Quarter and along Selsdon Road, complemented by new street signage. The council hopes this will bolster the area's role as a dining and events destination.
Broader Investment and Long-Term Programme
The UKSPF funding operates alongside other initiatives like the Pride in Place programme, which targets neighbourhoods with a history of underinvestment. New Addington North was selected earlier this year to receive £20 million over ten years through this scheme. An initial £150,000 will be released in early 2026 to support community engagement and establish Neighbourhood Boards, which will decide with local politicians how the substantial long-term funding is spent.
Croydon Central MP Natasha Irons has launched a digital survey to gather views. She said: "This investment gives local people the opportunity to influence how funding is spent... An extra £2million a year for ten years is a huge investment, and all ideas are welcome."
