Croydon committee casts green light for Assael’s masterplan for Purley pool site

The Croydon Planning Committee have approved plans submitted by Polaska, designed by Assael Architecture and landscape architects, Assael Exteriors, together with LA Architects for a new leisure centre on the Purley Pool site, incorporating an integrated retirement community, alongside broader plans to regenerate Purley High Street.

Polaska, which holds the long-term lease on the site, presented the application to Croydon Council. The proposal includes a new leisure centre, a later-living housing scheme (comprising 220 homes for independent, assisted and care homes), and a new public square to serve as a focal point for the town centre’s regeneration.

The leisure centre will feature a 25-metre, six-lane main pool, a training pool, an 80-station fitness suite, and studio space. It will also include a new café overlooking the training pool, soft play area and the new public square, a key driver for the scheme. 

Assael’s designs for Polaska encompass wider area regeneration, featuring a new public square and enhanced public spaces. The plans also propose an improved pedestrian route connecting Whytecliffe Road South and the High Street to enhance pedestrian connectivity with Purley Station.

The planning application was submitted last year, and as well as the leisure centre and integrated retirement community, it includes a 10% affordable housing and coherent place making, public realm and streetscape strategy reflecting the unique character of Purley town centre.

Guided by our townscape and environmental analysis, the building heights harmonise with the site’s natural topography, with lower structures fronting the High Street and the new public square.

A prominent marker building on Whytecliffe Road South enhances wayfinding from Purley Station, marking the new public route leading towards the square, leisure centre, and Purley High Street. This building features a meticulously crafted façade, blending intricate brickwork with pre-cast banded elements.

Purley High Street showcases an array of detailed brickwork, utilising varying shades of red to create depth and richness. The designs draw inspiration from herringbone patterns and chamfered detailing, celebrating the area’s architectural heritage.

The new public square and pedestrian pathway align seamlessly with this architectural language, enhancing connectivity and creating new publicly accessible open space in the town centre, offering versatile spaces to host public events, display artwork, and encourage play for all age groups.

Drawing inspiration from the High Street, the design of the public square thoughtfully reflects the local context. A ‘carpet’ concept creates an inviting arrival space at the leisure centre, while key areas within the square are designated for diverse community activities, including a market square, café, seating areas, interactive play, and public art installations which will be further shaped by placemaking and cultural engagement.

High-quality green spaces, including green roofs and resident amenity gardens, are integrated throughout. The development will feature 85 new trees, 30 of which will enhance the public realm, significantly increasing canopy cover and deliver a biodiversity net gain of +419%.

The proposal was approved by Croydon’s Planning Committee at 8-2 majority vote on Thursday, 28 February. It will next go to the Greater London Authority for consideration, as a referable application, before a formal decision on the application is issued.

Russell Pedley, Director and Co-Founder of Assael Architecture, shared his enthusiasm:

“It has been a rewarding journey working closely with stakeholders, the multi-disciplinary team, and engaging in local consultation workshops to reach this significant milestone. The chance to establish a vibrant, integrated retirement community in the heart of Purley, alongside a cutting-edge leisure centre, is truly inspiring. 

Personally, the idea of Purley Pool making a comeback fills me with joy—I learned to swim in the original pool, so I deeply understand the value this facility will hold for future generations.

Congratulations to all involved in this new development for Purley.”