Croydon neighbourhood tipped “property hotspot” still in need of high street investment

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

A Croydon neighbourhood tipped as a “property hotspot” is seeing new families flood to the area – but shops on the high street keep shutting down.

With its quick connections into central London, more affordable homes and variety of green spaces, South Norwood is popular with young people and families looking for somewhere cheaper to live.

Locals in South Norwood say it has improved in the past decade, but want to see more investment, particularly on the High Street.

Many said the area needs a better range of shops and businesses to keep people in South Norwood.

Ilir ‘Bobby’ Dreshaj has lived in South Norwood for more than 20 years and has run Yeha Noha Cafe for the past 10.

He said it has a ‘village feeling’ and added: “From 2015-17 there was a huge change in South Norwood and they had a plan to do a regeneration but that stopped for some reason.

“I think that could have a huge impact on the area, I think the High Street should be the target because it is the heart of South Norwood. I want to see everything: more shops and a bank. We used to have three or four but they are all gone.

“As a resident there isn’t much on offer for people to stay in the area. Business owners won’t invest if they don’t think it will be worth it. We need more variety.”

Darren Awol, 38, from CariVegan in Selhurst Road grew up in South Norwood and now lives in Sidcup. He said new people moving into the area has been good – but thinks more can be done to spruce it up.

He said: “People have been pushed from Clapham to Tulse Hill to Crystal Palace and down the hill to South Norwood. I don’t think it’s been a bad thing for the area but I would like to see more investment and for the council to tidy up. Who would’ve thought there would be a vegan place in South Norwood right next door to a kebab shop?”

South Norwood was originally developed as a stopping point on the Croydon Canal, which opened in 1809. A later railway expansion led to the creation of new housing and by 1870 the High Street was thriving.

Local inventor William Stanley ran a factory nearby, funded educational projects and left his estate to local schools and students. He designed and built the Grade II listed Stanley Halls, now a popular arts and community centre.

In January, it was announced that the High Street, which has fallen into disrepair, would benefit from £1.1milllion of investment as part of Historic England’s government-funded High Street Heritage Action Zone programme.

Local estate agent Vipin Nayyar, from Benson and Partners, said South Norwood has become more popular in the past 10 years with city workers who can get to London Bridge in 12 minutes on the train and have the option of Thameslink and London Overground services.

Properties in South Norwood had went for an average price of £393,829 over i the past year. A two-bedroom flat will set you back around £1,500 a month.

Local councillor Louis Carserides, who was brought up in South Norwood said the best thing about the area is the people.

He said: “I have very fond memories of the area and I am proud to still live here. Labour, when in power, secured millions in funding to help regenerate South Norwood – from Socco Cheta to Stanley Arts, from Station Road to the market. But South Norwood’s best asset is its people.

“There is a real community feel to the area and a deep sense of pride. People passionately care about making South Norwood the best place it can be. We have fantastic independent local businesses, beautiful green spaces like South Norwood Lakes and very active community groups.”

Pictured top: Ilir Dreshaj who runs Yeha Noha wants to see more investment in South Norwood High Street (Picture: Tara O’Connor)