21 things Croydon desperately needs to give it a boost

Having attended a girls’ school in the heart of Croydon for both primary and secondary school, Croydon has practically become a second home to me. But even after moving more than 150 miles up the country for university, Croydon’s reputation still remained a popular topic of conversation.

Whether you grew up or lived in Croydon all your life, you’ll probably be familiar with the grimaces from colleagues or associates when you mention where you’re from, the perception that it’s a hotbed of knife crime or the ongoing negative stereotypes about the area.

In a recent controversial survey conducted by ilivehere.comwhich ranked “the UK’s most depressing cities in 2024”, Croydon was given 12th place. It was described as “a huge commercial estate” and considered one of the worst parts of London to live in.

READ MORE: South London neighborhood where shoplifting is rampant and staff ‘don’t even call the police anymore’

Croydon Council’s recent leadership of our borough has not helped these perceptions. Despite the financial collapse of 2020 and the accumulation of £1.6 billion in debt, Croydon Council continues to claim that “the pace of improvement sped up’. However, significant issues such as rising costs, inadequate council houses, financial mismanagement and poor governance still plague the area.

But Croydon has so much to offer, with its close-knit communities, cultural scene and history as a hive of creativity. It’s just in a bad place, but there are things that would make a huge difference. Some are not easy to achieve, others are more straightforward. But this is my wish list of things that would lift Croydon up, dust it off and remind it that it has a lot to be proud of.

1. A complete rebrand of the neighborhood. A complete rebranding could change public perception and attract new visitors and businesses.

2. An extension of the tram network and/or the addition of more London Overground stations to the area.

3. Enter a subway station. This would also greatly benefit commuters and increase accessibility.

4. Improve the bus network. More frequent and reliable bus services are essential.

5. Bring on the Westfield that was promised. A major shopping center would not only increase the happiness of Croydon residents, but also improve local tourism and help independent businesses.

6. Reduce the increase in crime rates. This includes increasing the police force on the streets of Croydon to tackle crime and improve safety.

7. Pedestrianising South Croydon’s restaurant district to expand, accommodate more people and amplify dining experiences.

8. Wipe out £1.6 billion of council debt.

9. Implement educational initiatives to reduce the likelihood of children and adolescents joining gangs and committing crimes.

10. Address, address and raise awareness of the rising rates of violence against women and girls in the community.

11. Update the city center. Investing in the city’s infrastructure would make Croydon a much more aesthetically pleasing and attractive place to visit.

12. Improve public spaces. Adding more fountains, new street signs and upgrading the park would significantly revitalize the area.

13. See Croydon’s newly elected MPs drive initiatives and deliver on their promises to bring about instrumental change for the people of Croydon.

14. Fix the social housing crisis, which leaves families homeless or living in unlivable dwellings.

15. Provide more assistance and resources to those experiencing homelessness.

16. Cut NHS waiting times at Croydon University Hospital (as newly elected Croydon West Labor MP Sarah Jones has promised) as they struggle with increased demand and pressures.

17. Continue to extend support and financial aid to individuals and families struggling with the rising cost of living.

18. Educate and encourage young people to participate in creative schemes to harness their potential and talent.

19. Develop a better nightlife scene.

20. Continue efforts to make renting in the area more affordable to retain residents and attract newcomers.

21. Remove all graffiti around the city centre

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