As part of the Croydon regeneration, Executive Mayor Jason Perry wants to see a swimming pool return to Purley, which will result in the regeneration of the High Street.
The Council has been in discussions with Polaska, the long-term leaseholders and developer, about their plans for the site since the planning application was submitted in 2024.
The plans include a new leisure centre, a later-living housing scheme, shops and a new public square which could host events, such as markets and local festivals.
The leisure centre would have a 25 metre six-lane main pool, a training pool, an 80-station gym, a fitness suite and studio space.
Following a series of public exhibitions and workshops by Polaska on the proposals, and in response to comments received during the planning application’s public consultation, revised plans have now been submitted.
The leisure centre has been redesigned to accommodate a larger space for the gym and fitness studio.
The layout has also changed to ensure that the café directly overlooks a new dedicated soft play space so parents can easily supervise their children.
As part of the later-living scheme, 10% of homes are proposed to be affordable.
The proposal also includes a new public car park, with some parking reserved for users of the later-living facility.
Feedback has been received from local residents calling for more public parking.
Whilst the Greater London Authority (GLA), which needs to give consent, has encouraged a car-free development, the revised proposals would increase the amount of parking spaces available to the public.
The proposed mixed-use building fronting High Street has been redesigned to better reflect the Local Heritage Area and a new strategy has also been developed for the new public square to help regenerate Purley town centre.
The revised plans are now subject to a further round of public consultation until February 6, before they are considered by the Council’s Planning Committee.
The application will also need to be referred to the GLA.
The proposal is for Polaska to construct the new leisure centre, with the ownership and management of the facility remaining with the Council and operated by the Council’s contractor GLL.
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon: “I’m delighted that we’ve reached this significant milestone in the planning process and Polaska’s enhanced designs are set to be considered by the Planning Committee.
“Our focus is on delivering a facility that benefits everyone in the area and provides a great regeneration opportunity for Purley and the surrounding area.
“I remain committed to returning a swimming pool to Purley and regenerating the High Street for the benefit of our residents and local businesses.
“It’s vital that the proposals are right for Purley and that the development preserves the character of the area – this process takes time.
“I appreciate the community’s contributions throughout the consultation process, and we will keep everyone informed every step of the way.”
