The £1,593,762 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will be used to improve the park in Addiscombe.
This follows a successful bid in 2023 when the council was awarded £300,000 to develop proposals for the park.
Since then, the council has developed a conservation plan, landscape designs, and had surveying work done in the park.
The council has worked closely with the Friends of Ashburton Park and has held workshops and events with the wider community and young people, with feedback used to help shape the plans.
This new funding will support the ambitious ‘100 Years of Ashburton Park’ restoration and improvement programme, which will see upgrades to the park highlighting its historic and ecological features, making sure it stays as a treasured community space for generations to come.
Upgrades include restoration of the park’s historic wetland, a new bandstand to replace the existing tea kiosk, creation of a community garden, and improvements to pathways and lighting.
A series of heritage-focused activities, including a community archaeology project and guided heritage walks and audio trials, are also part of the plans.
There will also be community events to celebrate Ashburton Park’s centenary this summer and the 100 years of women’s right to vote during 2028.
As part of the project, the council has worked closely with the Oasis community hub team, and a dedicated schools programme will include a food growing enterprise within the newly developed grounds of the park lodge.
This will complement Oasis’s wider aim to restore the park’s lodge into a community hub, which is being fundraised separately by Oasis.
Jason Perry, executive mayor of Croydon, said: “It’s fantastic news that Ashburton Park has been awarded this funding that will transform this much-loved park.
“A big thank you to The National Lottery Heritage Fund as well as all the people who have helped in developing the plans, including the Friends of Ashburton Park, Oasis community hub team, and all residents who got involved in the workshops and events.
“This investment will not only preserve the park’s heritage but also improve access, support local wildlife, and make it an even better space for people now and in the future.”
Andy Gill, Oasis youth and innovation lead, said: “We are delighted that this grant will enhance the park’s safety for children and young people in Croydon.
“After the tragic events of previous years, this investment is a demonstration of how working with local people can bring about lasting change, improving the life chances of our young people at a time when support is most needed.”
Stuart McLeod, director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re thrilled to support Croydon Council with their vision to create an accessible green space for the community at Ashburton Park.
“We believe everyone should be able to access, connect with and enjoy the natural heritage on their doorstep.
“It is thanks to National Lottery players that we can support projects like this which bring people together and transform the communities we live in, making them better places to be.”
The project is expected to start in the summer and be completed by November 2028.
