Long-awaited plans for a £17.5 million leisure centre in New Addington have been unveiled.

Croydon Council’s proposals include a 25-metre swimming pool, community centre, arts space and sports facilities.

But some locals fear the plans could be a smokescreen for new homes.

The council’s recently updated “Croydon local plan” includes proposals to build a number of high-rise apartment blocks in Central Parade West, despite longstanding local resistance to new homes in that road.

Tony Pearson, a former Conservative councillor for the ward, said the council was “not showing the full extent” of its plans for regeneration in New Addington in the leisure centre proposal.

He said: “A new leisure centre is something we wanted a long time ago. They’re only showing the actual leisure centre, but we know there’s plans for up to 200 new houses in Central Parade West in the local plan.

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“Nor have they confirmed a supermarket, which is what most of New Addington want more than anything.”

Mr Pearson said New Addington had been “consulted to bits” about regeneration projects over the years, with three major recurring themes: the need for a new leisure centre, a new supermarket, and resistance to new homes on Central Parade West.

A two-day consultation on a proposed leisure centre in Central Parade will take place on Friday and Saturday, in the former library building.

Kirsty Pearce, who co-manages the popular community group New Addington Pathfinders, said: “I think the vast majority in the area want regeneration, but it’s [about] in what form. I hope they’re not treating us as stupid and just showing us phase one.

“It doesn’t matter what’s in the town hall, we want to do what’s best for the majority of our area. [But] it’s not very transparent up here at the moment.”

Mrs Pearce echoed Mr Pearson’s comments about a desire for a new supermarket in New Addington, but added: “I think we all know that because of the village green we’re not going to get a huge supermarket, but what worries me more is that we’re going to get lots of housing.”

Councillor Alison Butler, cabinet members for regeneration, said: “Much thought and consideration have gone into these proposals, and we’re confident that they’ll fulfil local needs.”

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