Croydon is ready. That was the clear message delivered by Executive Mayor Jason Perry as he unveiled the borough’s new Town Centre Vision and Growth Plan, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of one of London’s most dynamic boroughs.
Develop Croydon was among the many partners the Mayor named as crucial to the the creation and delivery of the plan.
Speaking at BOXPARK Croydon, Mayor Perry called Croydon “London’s southern powerhouse”, outlining a bold strategy to drive regeneration, attract investment and harness the borough’s cultural and creative strengths.
Calling out the builders, believers and businesses, “This isn’t just about growth,” Mayor Perry said. “This is about belief. Belief in a borough with history, hustle and heart. Croydon is open, it’s moving, and it won’t wait. The question isn’t ‘Why now?’—it’s ‘Why aren’t you already here?’”
Backed by £30 million in immediate investment, the new Town Centre Vision is underpinned by Croydon’s status as the first borough in London to launch a local growth programme aligned with the Mayor of London’s Growth Plan where Croydon has been identified as London’s flagship destination for the experience economy, celebrating its unique blend of culture, creativity, and innovation. This is alongside being identified as a “regionally significant office clusters” and for housing-led developments with 14,500 homes either having planning consent or being included in a Local Plan.
Highlights from Mayor Perry’s address included:
- Over £1 billion in public and private investment already flowing into the borough, including major national funding through leveling up the growth zone and creative enterprise zone programmes.
- A collaborative partnership with global real estate leader Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield to reimagine central Croydon.
- An economic charter signed with London Gatwick, just 14 minutes away, to boost the skills, unlock jobs and drive long-term growth
- Home of Europe’s tallest modular residential tower by Tide, adding to a skyline featuring in various Hollywood movies
- A growing creative ecosystem, with over 4,800 creative businesses, more than Manchester, Leeds or Birmingham.
- In 2024, Croydon reported the fastest micro business growth in London, up by 24%, the third fastest in the UK
- Croydon-based businesses highlighted in the speech include: London South Bank University’s Croydon campus is pioneering health innovation, tackling breast cancer and training a third of London’s nurses; Crystal FC, the oldest professional team in the league, in the FA Cup final; Monty Bojangles who are winners of the kings award for enterprise for their truffles; BOXPARK, home to the new PLAYBOX, an immersive entertainment experience redefining social pleasure in South London and more.
“We’re not waiting for change. We’re making it happen,” said Mayor Perry. “This is a borough on the rise, Croydon as a brand means business. Croydon is ready.”
We then saw a short video from Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of Business and Growth, where he praised Croydon as a special place with an evolving town centre. He acknowledged it was a commuter town but also a place with a thriving residential area. He encouraged everyone to engage with the new plan, as it was written for the people.
Another supporter was Laura Citron OBE, CEO of London and Partners. She had a fireside chat with Mayor Jason Perry, chaired by Jane Groom, Partner & Co-Managing Director, Politics, Engagement and Planning at LCA, offering a broader perspective on Croydon’s role within London and highlighting strong connectivity and scale as key draws for international investors.
“Having a plan is a genuine competitive advantage right now, and having a plan that is credible and realistic and visibly backed by your political leadership, your business community, and your civic institutions is a genuine competitive advantage in the market right now, ” Laura adds.
The event also featured a panel session that brought together local stakeholders as they discussed “Why Croydon?”
Speakers included:
- Ben McLaughlin, CEO of BOXPARK
- Louise Cooper, COO at The Brit School
- Penny Cameron, Head of Development at URW
- Clare Woodcock, Consultant Director at Mott MacDonald
Croydon was commended by all panellists as a place with huge potential, strong community pride, and a clear vision for regeneration, reinforcing Croydon as a borough on the rise. As a closing remark, Mayor Perry concluded succinctly with,
“If you want to back a place with momentum, grit and a clear plan, choose Croydon.”
Get involved and read all about Croydon’s Town Centre Vision and Growth Plan here: https://www.croydon.gov.uk/council-and-elections/policies-plans-and-strategies/business-and-economy-plans-and-strategies/croydon-growth-plan-2025