Croydon Council's cabinet has set aside £7.2 million for projects in the Growth Zone budget as part of the Croydon regeneration scheme.

Growth Zone funding, which is raised by retaining business rates, allows essential improvements to be made to Croydon’s public spaces and culture for the benefit of residents, businesses, and visitors.

The regeneration of Croydon town centre has long been a priority for Executive Mayor Jason Perry, who is driving forward change through a series of improvements to change the look and vibe of the town.

The Cabinet reviewed a report that outlined the progress of the town centre regeneration.

The report praised the Croydon regeneration scheme, including the development of the Council's regeneration strategy, and revival of the Town Centre Advisory Board.

The collaboration with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) was also praised for their masterplan for the Whitgift and Centrale shopping centre area, and the government funding £18.5 million for the Reconnected Croydon program.

Cabinet also approved the budget-setting of the Growth Zone priorities for 2024-25.

The projects are delivered by the council with the support of the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Transport for London (TfL) and the annual funding is protected for 16 years.

Projects to benefit this year include Minster Green, the Urban Room engagement project, exhibitions and programmes at the Museum of Croydon, and a wider project to create a cultural legacy for Croydon as the London Borough of Culture.

The Minster Green project will renew the open spaces close to the historic Croydon Minster building in Croydon’s Old Town, with improvements to the parking, green spaces, play areas and lighting.

The project is at the latter stages of the design phase and the council will be sharing these with residents and businesses before renovations start later this year.

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor, said: “The regeneration of the town centre is a priority for me – I am determined to invest in the much-needed infrastructure and improved public and green spaces for our town centre, to make Croydon a place where we can all feel proud to live, work and visit.

“Croydon has benefited from the investment through Growth Zone projects and with a busy programme of projects planned for the coming year, supported by this £7.2m investment, we look forward to driving forward the renewal of our town centre through this partnership.”