A major regeneration scheme for Purley High Street, featuring a new leisure centre and more than 200 homes, has passed a critical planning hurdle and could see construction begin in 2026.
GLA Gives Crucial Non-Intervention Decision
The Greater London Authority (GLA) has confirmed it will not block the planning application for the long-awaited Purley Pool project. This decision by Deputy Mayor for Planning, Jules Pipe, removes a significant uncertainty and returns responsibility for the final steps to Croydon Council.
The council must now formally issue the planning permission. Once granted, a six-week judicial review period will commence, during which the decision could face legal challenge. Only if this period passes without action can construction physically start on site.
What the Regeneration Scheme Will Deliver
The project aims to replace the former Purley Pool—closed in 2020—and neighbouring dormant sites including an old Sainsbury's and a multi-storey car park. The new development promises a modern leisure centre with a 25-metre main pool, a training pool, a gym, studios, a café, and family facilities.
Alongside this, the scheme will deliver 220 later-living homes, with 10 per cent designated as affordable housing. The plans also include creating a new public square and improving pedestrian links to better connect Purley station with the High Street.
Political Pledge and Changing Plans
Reopening Purley Pool was a key manifesto pledge by Mayor Jason Perry during his successful 2022 election campaign. Initially, he promised it would be funded through unallocated Community Infrastructure Levy money without affecting other services.
The approach has since evolved into a larger, mixed-use scheme driven and largely funded by the developer Polaska, which holds a 200-year lease on the site. Polaska would lease the completed leisure centre and public parking back to the council.
While proponents argue the development will boost footfall and support local businesses, it has faced opposition over the loss of town-centre parking, the scale of buildings (up to 12 storeys), and the level of affordable housing. Croydon Council's Planning Committee approved the plans in principle in February 2025.
Looking Ahead to a 2026 Start
With the GLA's decision secured, the focus shifts to the final administrative and legal stages. Mayor Perry hailed the news as "fantastic for Purley" and a major step towards fulfilling his promise. However, the project's future could still be influenced by the local council and mayoral elections in May 2026, given its political significance.
If all proceeds without legal challenge, the long-dormant heart of Purley High Street could finally see transformative work begin in 2026.
