I know how disappointed residents in Purley and across the south of Croydon were when the previous Labour Council closed Purley Pool.
That's why I made the promise of a pool in Purley one of my central campaign pledges during the Mayoral Election - and I have been working to fulfil that promise from the very start of my Mayoralty.
However, it quickly became clear that re-opening the former pool would not be sustainable due to the extensive disrepair allowed by the previous Labour Council.
Today, I am pleased to announce that the developer Polaska, who have held the main lease on the site for some years, are now preparing to submit plans for the regeneration of the Purley Pool site, which will include a new six-lane swimming pool, training pool, fitness studio and gym, as well as a soft play area for children and a café.
The plans also include a later living housing development, a new public square, and shops to regenerate the High Street. Residents have often told me that the walkway from Purley Railway Station into the Town Centre can feel unwelcoming, so the plans also include improvements to this route.
The aim is for the construction of the pool to be fully funded through the development, and the Council will run and operate the new facility.
These are exciting proposals which will help to revive Purley Town Centre. We will be working closely with Polaska and with the local community to ensure that any new development is right for Purley.
I want as many residents as possible to have their say.
Polaska is hosting public exhibitions on Tuesday 20 June, from 5-8pm, and Friday 23 June, from 4-7pm, at Christ Church in Purley. There will also be a stall at Purley Fete on Saturday 24 June, from 12pm to 4pm.
Those who are unable to attend the exhibitions in person can visit the consultation website for further details on how to get in touch with the project team. https://purleypool.co.uk/
This is an exciting time for Purley, and I look forward to working with the community as we regenerate this vital facility which the previous Labour Council neglected for far too long.
With best wishes,
Jason Perry
Conservative Mayor of Croydon
