What will the development of a new leisure center in South London mean for the community? The anticipated regeneration initiative aims to introduce a new 25-meter swimming pool along with over 200 later-living residences after the Greater London Authority (GLA) confirmed it would not obstruct the planning proposal.
This decision alleviates a significant planning concern and allows the much-anticipated Purley Pool project to advance, as construction is projected to commence in 2026. The scheme intends to replace the old Purley Pool and adjacent sites with a contemporary leisure facility, a newly designed public square, and 220 later-living homes, of which 10 percent are designated as affordable.
Regeneration Efforts and Community Impact
Reopening Purley Pool was a major commitment made by Jason Perry during his successful campaign for mayor in 2022. He assured that the project would be thoroughly budgeted, funded using unallocated Community Infrastructure Levy resources—funds generated from developers—and executed without compromising other municipal services while also enhancing public health and increasing foot traffic in the town center.
Since the initial campaign promise was made, however, the focus has shifted towards integrating both housing and retail options with recreational facilities. This undertaking is being led by Polaska, a developer based in the British Virgin Islands, which possesses a 200-year lease for the location and will lease the completed leisure center and parking facilities back to the local council.
Planning Process and Community Reactions
In February 2025, Croydon Council’s Planning Committee provisionally approved the Purley Pool initiative. Given its scope and strategic significance, the application was subsequently submitted to the GLA for additional review. The recent conclusion of this referral process, with the Deputy Mayor of London for Planning, Jules Pipe, announcing that the GLA will not intervene, signifies that oversight now reverts to Croydon Council for the next steps. The council must officially grant the planning permission before any advancement can occur.
Once approved, a six-week judicial review period will commence, during which the ruling may be contested in court. Only if no legal actions arise during this timeframe can construction commence. Until that point, the project remains sanctioned in principle but is unable to proceed.
The current site of Purley Pool, which was shuttered in 2020, is positioned near the long-inactive former Sainsbury’s store and the multi-storey parking garage, creating a largely dormant core for Purley High Street. The new initiative aims to transform this space into a leisure center that features a 25-meter primary pool, a training pool, fitness areas, studios, a café, and family-friendly amenities, with provisions for local schools to resume swimming instruction.
Community Concerns and Future Outlook
The mixed-use project encompasses more than 200 later-living homes, a redesigned public square, and improved access for pedestrians, all intended to better link Purley station with the High Street and provide a much-needed town square. Advocates believe this development could enhance foot traffic and support local retailers, asserting the combination of leisure spaces, residential units, and public areas could mitigate the long-standing decline experienced in the town center.
Nevertheless, the plans have faced ongoing opposition, particularly concerning the removal of the existing multi-storey car park and a reduction in town-center parking. While the final design incorporates 78 parking spots, many residents express concerns over overall accessibility. Additionally, the height of the new buildings, which will rise up to 12 storeys, and the allocation of affordable units—set at 10 percent—have drawn criticism.
Despite these objections, the council has approved the scheme, with construction currently anticipated to begin in 2026. The project’s trajectory may also be influenced by the local council and mayoral elections scheduled for May 2026, given its political relevance to Mayor Perry. In response to the recent developments, Mayor Perry remarked, „This is fantastic news for Purley. Ever since Labour closed Purley Pool, I have been clear that I would bring a swimming pool back to the district centre. This decision is another major step towards making that promise a reality. My thanks go to council officers, the developer, and local residents who have worked constructively together to get this scheme to this stage.“
Bildquelle: Quelle: Foto: Foto: Deny Hill
