Croydon Residents Support Purley Pool Plans Despite Parking Space Loss
Purley residents are backing new leisure centre plans, despite concerns over lost parking spaces and affordable housing.
Purley, Croydon, UK, Leisure Centre, Affordable Housing, Parking
Purley: Residents are feeling pretty good about the new plans for the Purley Pool. They think it could really breathe new life into a part of the high street that’s been looking a bit sad for ages. The latest updates even include more affordable homes, which is a big plus.
Recently, Croydon Council shared that Polaska, the company behind the leisure centre, has come up with some fresh proposals. These changes were made after listening to what locals had to say during public exhibitions.
The new complex will take over an empty building on Purley High Street that’s been closed since 2020. The council will still own and manage it, while GLL will run the centre.
Originally, Polaska planned to include 220 homes, but now they’re promising that 10% of those will be affordable. Plus, they’re adding a new public car park with 50 spaces, which is a step up from the previous plan that had none.
Parking has been a hot topic, with many locals worried about losing spaces. But it seems the latest changes have won over some of the resident associations. James Hillam, chair of the Purley and Woodcote RA, believes the new plans will really help the area.
He mentioned that while some people are upset about the parking situation, the new scheme is a step in the right direction. He pointed out that the old multi-storey car park was often a hangout for troublemakers, so replacing it with something more community-focused could be a win.
Even though the plans mean losing a big chunk of parking, Hillam thinks it’s worth it. He said that many commuters who used the car park weren’t really spending money in Purley anyway. The community seems to be rallying behind the idea of a new pool and a revitalized high street.
There’s still some concern about the affordable housing aspect, though. The new plans only promise 10% of the homes will be affordable, which some folks think isn’t enough. But Hillam argues that it’s still a step towards helping those who need it most.
Mayor Jason Perry has been vocal about his commitment to bringing the pool back and improving the high street. He’s been working on this since his election and wants to make sure the development fits well with the area.
While things are moving slowly, Hillam remains hopeful. He believes it’s better to take the time to get it right rather than rush through. After all, this project is meant to last for decades.
As for the design, it’s been tweaked to fit better with the local heritage. They’ve also scrapped plans for retail space in favor of a bigger gym and fitness studio, which Hillam thinks will attract more visitors to the area.
Public consultation on the revised plans is open until February 6, 2025, so there’s still time for everyone to weigh in. It looks like the community is ready to embrace this change and see what the future holds for Purley.