With a dedicated business base and appeal to major employers, Croydon’s economic significance is underscored by over 140,000 daily visitors, highlighting its sub-regional importance. Croydon is a high-priority investment destination, with recent initiatives including a renewed commitment by Unibail Rodamco Westfield (URW) to the regeneration of the Whitgift Centre and the establishment of Croydon as an innovation hub through collaboration with the REACT Institute at the London South Bank University campus in central Croydon.

As one of the borough’s largest employers, with an annual gross expenditure of over
£1 billion, Croydon Council acknowledges its role in driving economic growth and fostering job opportunities for local residents through social value initiatives. Collaborations with entities such as London Gatwick and Biggin Hill Airport further underscore the Council’s commitment to leveraging strategic alliances for mutual benefit. Being London Borough of Culture 2023 boosted pride in Croydon as a place to live and work, increasing footfall to high streets and businesses and securing cultural funding for the borough. In addition to investment from the GLA, it brought in £600,000 from Arts Council England and £485,000 from National Lottery Heritage Fund towards the year long programme and its legacy.

Croydon’s evolving residential landscape, characterised by a diversity of housing typologies, reflects the Council’s dedication to securing high quality design and community-centric development. Croydon recently secured £18.5 million of Levelling Up-funding for its ‘Reconnecting Croydon’ scheme, which will see investment in vibrant public spaces, and is developing a vision for the town centre through the Town Centre Regeneration Strategy. Croydon Council remains steadfast in its mission to create a vibrant and prosperous future for the borough. Croydon Council stands ready to unlock its full potential, working with strategic development partners who recognise the boundless opportunities within the borough.