A project to regenerate South Norwood has been awarded over £1million of Mayoral funding.

'Re-imagining everyday spaces in South Norwood', a bid submitted by Croydon council and community organisation We Love SE25, claimed £1.6million from the Mayor's good growth fund, a figure which will be matched by the council, taking the funding total to £2.3million.

Last month a report by the Royal Society of Public Health branded South Norwood high street the fifth ‘unhealthiest’ in London due to the number of off licences, gambling shops and other businesses categorised as damaging to residents.

The three year project aims to revive the area, creating thriving businesses that will yield job opportunities.

Councillor Paul Scott, cabinet lead for regeneration and planning, who represents Woodside Ward, said: “It’s great that we’ve got funding from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund to support the continued drive to improve South Norwood for the local community.

"This will go a long way towards delivering South Norwood’s Community Economic Development Plan.

“This is the result of a lot of hard work over recent years by the local community and councillors working through We Love SE25 and supported by dedicated Croydon Council staff. Congratulations to everyone involved in this successful bid.

“However, the hard work has not finished yet – officers and members will be working closely with We Love SE25 to deliver the changes that local residents have identified.

“From April we’ll begin using the funds to deliver positive changes for South Norwood and I can’t wait for it to start. As the Chair of People for Portland Road I am proud of the work and dedication this and many other local groups and individuals are putting into improving their local neighbourhood."

The project will see the council and We Love SE25 "work with residents, businesses, landlords and community groups to help bring empty premises back into use as retail and workspaces for creative and social enterprises."

They aim to bring around 25 empty properties on Station Road, High Street, Selhurst Road and Portland Road back into use as work and retail spaces.

The funding will be received in April 2019.

Councillor Patsy Cummings, Chair of We Love SE25, said: “This is fantastic news for South Norwood and a validation of years of hard work residents, businesses and community organisations have put into developing our community plan.

“We have a wealth of creative and entrepreneurial talent in our area. This award will allow us to develop real opportunities to realise our potential in the heart of the community.

“These are ambitious plans and We Love SE25 is proud to be a partner for the delivery of those plans.”