The project to replace the former Purley Pool with a new leisure centre and 220 later-living homes has moved closer
Harrison Galliven and Local Democracy Reporter
10:00, 03 Jan 2026
A CGI rendering of what the completed Purley Pool scheme would look like (Image: Polaska)
Plans for a new swimming pool, later-living accommodation and wider regeneration of Purley High Street have taken a significant step forward as the Greater London Authority (GLA) has confirmed it will not obstruct the planning application.
This decision eliminates a major planning hurdle and keeps the much-anticipated Purley Pool project on track, with construction set to commence in 2026.
The proposal involves replacing the former Purley Pool and adjacent sites with a contemporary leisure centre, a new public square, and 220 later-living residences, 10 per cent of which will be affordable.
The commitment to reopen Purley Pool was a central promise made by Jason Perry during his successful mayoral election campaign in 2022.
He assured that the project would be fully costed, financed through unallocated Community Infrastructure Levy funds – money collected from developers – and delivered without impacting other services, whilst promoting health and increasing town centre footfall.
However, since making this pledge, the focus has shifted, with the scheme now prioritising housing and retail alongside leisure facilities.
The redevelopment is being spearheaded and largely funded by British Virgin Islands-based developer Polaska, which holds a 200-year lease on the site and would lease the completed leisure centre and public parking back to the council.
The Purley Pool was closed to the public in 2020(Image: Harrison Galliven)
In February 2025, the Purley Pool scheme received initial approval from Croydon Council’s Planning Committee. Due to its significant size and strategic importance, the application was subsequently referred to the Greater London Authority (GLA) for further scrutiny.
The referral process has now concluded, with Jules Pipe, the Deputy Mayor of London for Planning, confirming that the GLA will not intervene. This decision means the responsibility now falls back to Croydon Council to advance to the next stage.
Before the scheme can move forward, the council must formally issue the planning permission. Once granted, a six-week judicial review period will commence, during which the decision could be contested in court.
Construction can only begin if this period concludes without any legal action. Until then, the project remains approved in principle but cannot proceed on site.
The existing Purley Pool, which shut down in 2020, is located alongside the long-dormant former Sainsbury’s and the multi-storey car park, forming a largely inactive core of Purley High Street.
The proposed scheme would replace it with a leisure centre featuring a 25-metre main pool, training pool, gym, studios, café and family facilities, allowing local schools to resume swimming lessons.
The mixed-use development, which includes over 200 later-living homes, a new public square and enhanced pedestrian links, aims to better connect Purley station with the High Street and provide the area with a town square it has been missing for years.
Supporters contend the scheme could boost visitor numbers and bolster local enterprises, arguing the mix of recreational facilities, residential units and communal areas might help tackle the town centre’s persistent downturn.
Nevertheless, the proposals have faced continuous resistance, especially regarding the removal of the current multi-storey car park and decreased town-centre parking provision.
Whilst 78 parking bays are incorporated into the final plans, numerous locals continue to worry about accessibility.
The size and elevation of the structures, reaching 12 storeys, alongside the affordable housing provision of 10 per cent, have also drawn criticism.
Despite these objections, the council gave the green light to the project, with building work presently anticipated to commence in 2026.
Jason Perry, Mayor of Croydon(Image: Harrison Galliven)
It’s also noteworthy that the scheme’s future might be influenced by the May 2026 local council and mayoral elections, considering its political importance to Mayor Perry.
Addressing the recent development, Mayor Perry informed the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “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.”