Revised plans for the Purley Pool and leisure centre redevelopment have been submitted.
The proposals, which include a new leisure centre, later living housing, and the regeneration of the surrounding area, have reached a significant milestone.
The plans were initially submitted in 2024, but have now been revised following public exhibitions, workshops, and comments received during the planning application’s public consultation.
The leisure centre, which is set to include a 25-metre six-lane main pool, a training pool, an 80-station gym, a fitness suite, and studio space, has been redesigned to accommodate a larger gym and fitness studio.
The layout has also been changed so the café directly overlooks a new dedicated soft play space, allowing parents to easily supervise their children.
As part of the later living scheme, 10 per cent of homes are proposed to be affordable, to better support the borough’s housing needs.
The proposal also includes a new public car park, with some parking reserved for users of the later living facility.
Feedback from local residents has called for more public parking, and while the Greater London Authority (GLA), which needs to give consent, has encouraged a car-free development, the revised proposals would increase the amount of parking spaces available to the public.
The proposed mixed-use building fronting High Street has been redesigned to better reflect the Local Heritage Area, and a new strategy has been developed for the new public square to help regenerate Purley town centre.
The revised plans are now subject to a further round of public consultation until February 6, 2025, before they are considered by the council’s planning committee.
The application will also need to be referred to the GLA.
Comments can be made online at the council website.
The proposal is for Polaska to construct the new leisure centre, with the ownership and management of the facility remaining with the council and operated by the council’s contractor GLL.
Executive mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve reached this significant milestone in the planning process and Polaska’s enhanced designs are set to be considered by the planning committee.
“Our focus is on delivering a facility that benefits everyone in the area and provides a great regeneration opportunity for Purley and the surrounding area.
“I remain committed to returning a swimming pool to Purley and regenerating the High Street for the benefit of our residents and local businesses.
“It’s vital that the proposals are right for Purley and that the development preserves the character of the area – this process takes time.
“I appreciate the community’s contributions throughout the consultation process and we will keep everyone informed every step of the way.”
The plans also include shops and a new public square, which could host events such as markets and local festivals.
The council has been in discussions with Polaska, the long-term leaseholders and developer, about their plans for the site.
The proposals are seen as a catalyst for the regeneration of the High Street, benefiting residents and local businesses.