Croydon mayor reiterates promise to reopen Purley Pool
By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter
Croydon’s mayor has doubled down on a promise to reopen Purley Pool in the face of concerns about the running costs of the leisure centre.
In the next two months, a report on possible options for reopening the swimming pool, which closed in March 2020 after making a significant loss, is expected to be completed.
The project is set to cost at least ÂŁ3.4 million, which the council said will come from Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) money which is paid by developers when new homes are built.
At a council meeting on Monday night, shadow cabinet member for communities and culture, Councillor Brigitte Graham questioned the reopening, saying: “Does the mayor really believe that reopening Purley Pool which was already operating at a loss of £150,000 at these uncertain times, especially with the cost of living crisis, is a good use of public money.”
But mayor Jason Perry said reopening the pool was a manifesto pledge of his in May’s mayoral election.
He said: “You want me to not deliver on the election that I just won? Purley Pool is a key election pledge of this administration. Purley Pool is fully funded and Purley Pool will be reopened by this administration.”
Pictured top: Croydon Mayor Jason Perry (Picture: Darren Pepe)
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