Community's frustration as squatters occupy park café

FACILITY WAS CLOSED IN THE PANDEMIC AND RE-OPENING HAS BEEN DELAYED

- By HARRISON GALLIVEN Local democracy reporter

A GROUP of squatters has occupied the long-vacant Wandle Park café, reigniting public frustration over Croydon Council's failure to re-open the facility.

The café, once a popular feature of the park's 2013 redevelopment, has remained closed since the pandemic despite multiple promises to bring it back into use.

The group behind the occupation, Reclaim Croydon, began occupying the building more than a month ago.

Known for converting disused public spaces into temporary community hubs, the group previously made headlines in 2023 after taking over Croydon's former Brick by Brick offices on George Street.

Since moving in, Reclaim Croydon says they have cleaned and repaired parts of the café and hosted free events, including teas, drinks, a shared lunch, circus performances, and a clown workshop over the recent bank holiday.

Croydon Council confirmed it is "still trying to gain repossession via peaceful means"