Croydon News Update brings together the latest updates from across the borough and beyond. In this edition, it highlights progress on regeneration and town centre plans, and developments at London Gatwick.
2 to 8 October
Stewart Wingate to succeed Baroness Margaret Ford as chair of London Gatwick
London Gatwick has announced that Stewart Wingate will succeed Baroness Margaret Ford as chair of the board starting 1 October, following her retirement. Stewart was appointed Managing Director, UK Airports for VINCI Airports and GIP in September 2025 following a 15-year tenure as Chief Executive of London Gatwick and is a member of the London Gatwick, Edinburgh Airport and Belfast International Airport boards.
The Croydon Project enters its final consultation phase
Exciting plans are taking shape for the future of Croydon town centre. From 8 October, The Croydon project will be sharing the latest masterplan proposals, including new public spaces, improved connections and more detail on the character of the future town centre, informed by ongoing engagement with local communities and stakeholders.
This will be the last phase of consultation before the outline planning application will be submitted to the council.
London Gatwick invites bids for flagship food and beverage sites as airport prepares for future growth
The UK’s second-busiest airport, which connects passengers to more than 230 global destinations, is offering six food and beverage units spanning more than 3,800sqm. The chosen hospitality partners will support the airport’s growth, including its privately-funded Northern Runway Programme and be part of London Gatwick’s wider strategy to enhance the passenger experience.
Trading space is available either as individual opportunities or as part of a wider portfolio proposition, enabling operators to tailor bids to suit their brand and growth ambitions. Submissions will be accepted until 12 pm on 10 November 2026.
Update on new Purley leisure centre and high street regeneration
In February 2025, Croydon’s Planning Committee approved Polaska’s proposals for a new leisure centre, later living homes and a public square. Before planning permission can be formally issued, a Section 106 agreement must be signed. At the Council’s request, Polaska has created a UK-based entity to sign the agreement in place of its British Virgin Islands entity, and the site’s leasehold interest has been assigned to it. This allows the Section 106 agreement to be finalised and planning permission to be formally issued.
Fifteen local groups awarded Croydon Community Grant funding
Fifteen Croydon grassroots organisations have received funding from the 2026 Croydon Community Grant Fund, delivered by URW with Croydon Voluntary Action. Grants of up to £1,000 will support projects tackling homelessness, improving safety for women and girls, and creating opportunities for young people.