Croydon’s Growth Plan: A Bold Vision for South London’s Economic Powerhouse

With a population surpassing 398,000, Croydon rivals major UK cities in scale and ambition. Strategically located tube journeys are just 13 minutes from Central London and 15 minutes from Gatwick Airport, Croydon is at the core of London's plan for sustainable and inclusive growth.

A major regeneration programme is reshaping Croydon’s town centre, attracting inward investment and Croydon's Growth Plan: A Bold Vision for South London's Economic Powerhouse

Croydon is undergoing a major transformation, as the capital of South London and part of one of the UK's fastest-rising urban economies. With a population surpassing 398,000, Croydon rivals major UK cities in scale and ambition. Strategically located tube journeys are just 13 minutes from Central London and 15 minutes from Gatwick Airport, Croydon is at the core of London's plan for sustainable and inclusive growth.

A major regeneration programme is reshaping Croydon's town centre, attracting inward investment and redefining its commercial and residential landscape. The North End Quarter Masterplan, led by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, forms the foundation of this vision, introducing phased development that supports retail, housing, and leisure. This urban revival celebrates Croydon's cultural heritage, enhanced by iconic anchors such as BOXPARK, Crystal Palace FC, Fairfield Halls, and The BRIT School.

Croydon's unrivalled transport network strengthens its role as a regional growth engine. With over 1,000 daily train connections, access to London Overground, national rail lines, the Tram link system, and major roads, it is one of the most connected boroughs in the capital. Planned improvements, including the remodelling of East Croydon station and tram upgrades, will further enhance accessibility. More than 140,000 people travel to Croydon daily, supporting a vibrant economy that is home to major employers like the Home Office, Superdrug HQ, HMRC, and London South Bank University.

Croydon is a key player in London's housing future, aiming to deliver 14,500 homes in its Opportunity Area by 2041. This aligns with the borough's designation in the London Plan as a key area for growth. At the same time, industrial sectors are thriving along the Purley Way corridor, where rents have doubled in the past decade. Croydon supports innovation-driven logistics and remains vital to the Gatwick Airport Economic Zone. In 2023, the airport contributed £265 million to the local economy and supported more than 3,600 jobs. A new Economic Charter with London Gatwick will deepen collaboration on investment, employment, and training.

Croydon is officially recognised as a Creative Enterprise Zone and is home to more creative businesses per capita than any other borough in London. It is cultivating a vibrant tech and gaming scene powered by institutions such as The BRIT School and London South Bank University. In 2024, Croydon recorded a 24% surge in microbusinesses, the fastest in London and third nationally, underscoring its entrepreneurial energy. The borough's cultural momentum, cemented by its 2024 status as the London Borough of Culture, continues to grow through investments in public art, nightlife, and tourism.

With over 50% of its population holding a Level 4 qualification or higher, Croydon has a skilled and diverse workforce. The borough is launching a Skills and Employment Board to align employers and education providers with the evolving demands of a modern economy. More than 12,000 public sector jobs support this inclusive vision, ensuring regeneration delivers benefits across all communities.

Croydon's regeneration strategy places its town centre at the heart of change. Plans include creating new high-quality homes and enhancing accessibility, while supporting both public and private anchor institutions. Key districts will have distinct identities: West Croydon will thrive on global culture and food; North End will emerge as a mixed-use innovation zone; the Heritage Quarter will restore landmarks like Croydon Minster; and the Cultural Quarter will showcase Croydon's arts leadership.

Croydon is fully aligned with London's 10-year economic strategy developed by the Mayor and London Councils. The borough is central to realising key goals: boosting productivity, enabling inclusive growth, supporting a green transition, and reinforcing London's global position. A £30 million public sector investment package is supporting town centre improvements alongside major private developments and initiatives, including the Growth Zone, Opportunity London, and the South London Partnership.

Croydon is committed to being an investment-ready borough, guided by its Inward Investment Plan, Partial Local Plan Review, and Spatial Framework. These tools are unlocking stalled developments, attracting global investors, and driving forward economic opportunity. With a future built on collaboration, innovation, and inclusive policy, Croydon is establishing itself as one of London's premier metropolitan centres, delivering homes, jobs, and growth for all.

For detailed information and full statistics, refer to the Croydon Growth Plan 2025. https://www.croydon.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-05/croydon-growth-plan-2025-final.pdf