Metropolitan, town and district centres

In addition to the aforementioned ‘corridors’, south London also has significant town centre development opportunities. Croydon is London’s largest metropolitan centre outside of central London. Croydon’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI), Gateway and Park Place developments will provide significant business development.

Crystal Palace offers scope for further co-ordinated development, related to proposed transport improvements, the investment in sports infrastructure and new sports facility within the park, and linking this with the wider regeneration and development in the district centres surrounding the park. The LDA is providing a major investment into the Park and sports centre. The City Growth Initiative is also supporting the surrounding communities and town centres.

South London has four of London’s metropolitan centres Kingston, Bromley, Sutton and Croydon, seven major town centres and 28 district centres serving local communities.

Some of the district centres are thriving, but others need regeneration. In many cases improved transport accessibility (local and across the sub-region) and increased local employment is critical to their future development and prosperity, and to improving quality of life and community identity. Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) provide a mechanism for development, but are more appropriate to larger centres and may not apply to many smaller centres in need of help.

There is consistent demand in south London’s town and district centres for small and flexible office and light industrial units and managed workspace from small and start up companies. Mixed use approach of residential development around commercial cores of these centres offer the potential for sustainable development. Town and district centre developments offer an opportunity to exploit business and industrial growth where there is potential. Enhanced infrastructure and facilities can provide local jobs, community, health and sport improvements.