PARDON OUR DUST: WE’RE BUILDING A NEW CROYDON!

Wake up, Croydon! It is Monday, 15 June 2026, and the air is thick with more than just the smell of morning coffee.

There is a sense of change in the wind: a feeling that our borough is on the cusp of something truly monumental. If you have looked out of your window or walked down North End recently, you might have noticed the construction, the scaffolding, and the general hustle.

But this morning, the "Building the Future" theme is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about the foundations of our community.

Today, we are incredibly proud to mark a bold new moment for Croydon Local Pulse. This is a fresh chapter for your hyper-local newsletter, built to keep you closer to the stories, people, and places that make this borough tick.

ONE COMMUNITY. ONE PULSE. ONE FUTURE.

This is not just a new phase: it is a promise to every resident from Addington to Upper Norwood. For years, the heartbeat of our borough has been the local shopkeeper, the market trader, and the independent service provider.

Now, we are doubling down on what matters most: championing local legends, celebrating everyday wins, and keeping Croydon connected with fast, feel-good updates you will actually want to read.

Think of this as your new community infrastructure. We are building a stronger local platform that prioritises local talent, supports sustainable growth, and keeps the spotlight firmly on Croydon.

BUILDING THE BUZZ FOR WHAT'S NEXT

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More food joy is landing in town. Dirty Bones is bringing its New York-inspired comfort food to BOXPARK Croydon later this month.

Think loaded fries, rotisserie chicken, and serious comfort-food energy. If you love a worth-a-visit launch, get this one on your radar now.

SAND, SEA, AND... SHOPPING CENTRES? 🏖️

It might only be June, but we are already dreaming of the beach. We can officially tease that Costa Del Croydon is returning to the Centrale & Whitgift rooftop this August!

The planners are already hard at work transforming the multi-storey car park into a Mediterranean paradise. We are talking giant sandpits, splash zones for the little ones, and the best street food in South London.

This year promises to be the biggest yet, with more "Quiet Sessions" and free community workshops hosted by our friends at Croydon Voluntary Action. Keep your eyes peeled for ticket releases next month.

Summer in the city never looked so good!

HYPE HUB: TOMORROW'S BIG LAUNCH 🚀

Tomorrow is shaping up to be one of the biggest Croydon moments of the month. The Big Community Launch lands on Tuesday, 16/06/2026, and the borough should be absolutely buzzing.

Expect high energy, bold ideas, and a proper sense that something new is being built right here in our backyard. This is the moment Croydon Local Pulse steps into an exciting new chapter, with local pride, local stories, and local voices right at the centre.

If you are heading along, bring your energy and be ready for lift-off. Catch it, back it, and be part of the launch.

SING YOUR HEART OUT: CHORISTER WORKSHOPS 🎶

Do you have a young Pavarotti or a budding Adele at home? Croydon Minster is opening its doors for a series of chorister workshops starting tomorrow, Tuesday, 16 June.

These workshops are a fantastic opportunity for children aged 7 to 12 to experience the world-class musical tradition of our local Minster. It is not just about singing: it is about building confidence, discipline, and being part of a team.

The sessions are free, but spaces are limited. Head over to the Croydon Minster website to register your interest before they fill up.

WHAT'S ON THIS WEEK: CALENDAR CRANE-UP 📅

🧡 Tuesday 16/06/2026: Carers Market Place at Braithwaite Hall , 10am to 3pm, plus The Big Community Launch, our hype pick for tomorrow.

🖼️ Ongoing until 20/06/2026: Art On Your Doorstep at the Museum of Croydon brings world-class masterpieces right into our backyard.

🧸 Friday 19/06/2026: Pollock’s Toy Museum Pop-up officially opens at the Museum of Croydon.

🛍️ Daily: Surrey Street Market is still the soul of the borough, and always worth a wander.

🏃 Sunday 21/06/2026: Sunday Park Runs at Lloyd Park and South Norwood are ready when you are.

CIVIC DUTY: HAVE YOUR SAY

HUSTINGS HEAD-UP: WHAT IS YOUR QUESTION? 🗳️

The 2026 local elections are fast approaching, and the community hustings are being organised as we speak. This is your chance to put the future leaders of Croydon on the spot.

We want to know what matters to you. Is it the state of our pavements? Is it the frequency of the trams? Or is it the support for our local arts scene?

Submit your questions for the local candidates through our online form today. We will be selecting the most pressing issues to be put forward during the live debates next month.

Don't stay silent: make your voice the loudest in the room.

TAKE ACTION: THE PARKING PETITION

DRIVE FOR CHANGE: WE NEED YOU! 🚗

Our campaign for two hours of free parking in Croydon Town Centre is gaining serious momentum. We are currently sitting at 38 out of our 50-signature goal for the first phase of the petition.

High street businesses are struggling because of high parking charges: it is as simple as that. If we want people to choose Croydon over online shopping, we have to make it accessible.

Sign the petition today and help us hit that 50-mark by the end of the week. Every name counts in our fight to revitalise the local economy.

Try it risk-free: it only takes thirty seconds of your time!

THE FINAL WORD

Monday might be the start of the working week, but it is also the start of a new chapter for our community and for Croydon Local Pulse.

There will be dust, there will be noise, and there will be change. But together, we are building a version of Croydon that we can all be proud of.

Enjoy your Monday, stay curious, and keep that heartbeat strong. We will see you tomorrow for the Tuesday Pulse update!

Your Community Heartbeat

HELP US HELP YOU 🤝
By reading and sharing our content, you are directly supporting local journalism and helping Croydon Local Pulse keep celebrating the people, places, and independent spirit of our borough. Thank you for being part of the Pulse!

DO NOT WASTE THIS WEEKEND.

🎨 ART ON OUR DOORSTEP: CONTEMPORARY ART FAIR
📍 Where: WHITGIFT CENTRE and North End
📅 When: 12–14 June
🔗 Link: Culture Croydon event page
A free three-day celebration of local creativity with Croydon-connected artists, workshops and open studios — exactly the sort of town-centre buzz we want more of.

🎉 NEW ADDINGTON CARNIVAL
📍 Where: MILNE PARK, NEW ADDINGTON
📅 When: 13–14 June
🔗 Link: Official New Addington Carnival site
Funfair. Floats. Performances. Proper community spirit. This weekend staple is back and worth turning up for — especially if you like your local events loud, family-friendly and full of pride.

🌿 GRUFFY FAYRE
📍 Where: SANDERSTEAD POND / THE GRUFFY
📅 When: Saturday 13 June
🔗 Link: 16th Purley Scouts - Gruffy Fayre
A classic community fayre with local character to spare — simple, cheerful, and exactly the sort of hyper-local gem that keeps the borough stitched together.

CROYDON’S SECRET GARDEN. Ever heard of Wandle Park’s hidden history? Beneath the surface, the River Wandle was once hidden for decades. 🌊

It was "de-culverted" years ago, returning a beautiful chalk stream to our urban landscape. It is a prime spot for a quiet Saturday stroll away from the bustle. 🌿

MARKET ROOTS. Did you know Surrey Street Market was granted its charter by the Archbishop of Canterbury? We have been trading here for over 700 years. That is some serious staying power! 📜

👑 HIDDEN GEM: Next time you pass the old palace site, remember our borough has been punching above its weight for centuries.

WE NEED YOUR VOICE. Local businesses are feeling the pinch from the latest parking changes. We are backing a petition to review the current restrictions. 🚗

We are currently at 38 signatures. Our goal is 50 by the end of the weekend to trigger a formal review. ✍️

WHY IT MATTERS. Accessible parking means more footfall for brilliant local independents like Playnation Games. It means a more vibrant town centre for all of us. 🏪

DO YOUR BIT. It takes 30 seconds. Back the Parking Petition here and help us reach the goal. Let’s show the council that Croydon cares. 📢

WE DO THIS FOR YOU , AND WE WANT TO KEEP IT FREE.

The Croydon Local Pulse is a labour of love, but it takes time, caffeine, and resources to keep the community updated every single week.

The best way to help us keep the lights on is by supporting the businesses you see featured in our newsletters.

No paywalls, no nonsense , just the news that matters to you.

Help us help you by keeping the heartbeat of Croydon strong!

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