New crossing to replace Wellesley Road underpass

CROYDON Council will begin works to install a new surface-level pedestrian crossing on Wellesley Road this July, to replace a now-closed town centre underpass which had become a magnet for antisocial behaviour.

- By HARRISON GALLIVEN Local democracy reporter

The project, which aims to improve the connection between East Croydon Station and the central shopping district, is part of a £30 million investment secured by the council to deliver improvements across Croydon.

The pedestrian crossing, like the underpass before it, will serve as the main midsection route between the Whitgift Centre and nearby transport links.

As well as problems with antisocial behaviour, the underpass had become a common shelter for the borough's homeless population, with incidents of violence and a serious fire in December 2024 contributing to its closure.

A similar closure occurred last summer when the subway linking Altyre Road and East Croydon was blocked off after suffering fire damage and similar antisocial behaviour issues.