Purley residents support revised plans for a leisure center that promises to enhance the town center while reducing parking spaces
Purley: Residents are rallying behind new plans for a leisure center that could really change the game for a neglected part of the high street. They’re excited about the potential transformation.
The latest updates to the ‘Purley Pool’ project include more affordable homes, which is a big win for the community. Croydon Council recently shared that Polaska, the company behind the leisure center, has submitted fresh proposals.
These new ideas came after public exhibitions and feedback from locals. The plan is to build the complex while the council will still own and manage it, with GLL running the center. It’s set to replace an empty building that’s been closed since 2020.
Originally, Polaska promised 220 homes for older residents, but now they’re saying 10% of those will be affordable. Plus, they’re adding a new public car park with 50 spaces, which is a step up from the previous plan that had none.
Parking and affordable housing have been hot topics, with many locals voicing their concerns. But the latest changes seem to have won over some of the resident associations, who now see the value in the project.
James Hillam, chair of the Purley and Woodcote RA, mentioned that while some residents are still worried about parking, the new plan is a step in the right direction for the community.
He pointed out that many people have been driving into Purley for years, and asking them to switch to cycling or public transport is a tough sell. But with 50 parking spaces now included, it’s a compromise that some are willing to accept.
Unfortunately, the town will lose its central multi-storey car park, which has over 400 spaces. Many believe this could hurt local shopping, especially since the original plans had no parking at all.
Despite the challenges, Hillam believes the new plans will help reduce crime by bringing in more residents and replacing a car park that sometimes attracted trouble.
He also feels that the 10% affordable housing is a start, even if it doesn’t meet the higher targets set by local and London-wide plans. It’s still a chance for some people to find a home in the area.
Mayor Jason Perry has been vocal about his commitment to bringing a swimming pool back to Purley and revitalizing the high street. He’s keen on making sure the development fits the character of the area, which takes time.
While the new plans are seen as a milestone, getting everything approved has been slow. The original timeline had planning permission secured by last spring, with construction starting in autumn 2024, but that’s been pushed back.
Hillam remains hopeful, emphasizing the importance of a well-thought-out project that will last for decades. He believes that as long as there’s visible progress before the next election, the mayor will be satisfied.
The design has also been tweaked to better fit the local heritage area, and plans for retail space have been replaced with a larger gym and fitness studio. Hillam noted that retail has been declining, but leisure spaces are thriving.
Public consultation on the revised plans is open until February 6, 2025, and residents can share their thoughts on the council’s website.
