Purley's "much loved" swimming pool and leisure centre could be set to make a return.

Mayor Jason Perry approved the proposed terms by Polakska, the leaseholder, at a recent Cabinet meeting after a long-standing request from the local community.

Polaska's fresh plans feature a new leisure centre, late-living housing, and a public square, set to refresh the vacant site.

The leisure centre will have a six-lane main pool, training pool, fitness studio, and 80-station gym.

A soft play area and cafe are also included in the blueprints.

Over the past four months, Polaska has engaged with residents, local businesses and partners about the design concepts.

This pre-application consultation aims to ensure the local community contributes to moulding the scheme.

Looking ahead, Polaska is all set to present a planning application to the council, the Local Planning Authority.

The proposed scheme entails demolishing the old leisure centre, a former supermarket, and a multi-storey car park.

They will be replaced by a glass-fronted leisure centre with a street-level cafe, later living homes, a car park, an improved walkway to the railway station and a bustling public square.

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said: “Residents have been asking for the return of their much-loved pool in Purley and these agreements represent the next steps towards making the new leisure centre and regeneration of the high street a reality.

“The developers have really engaged the local community to get as many views as possible on the plans for the site.

“There will be more opportunities for people to have their say on the designs once an application is submitted.

“We will continue to work with Polaska to ensure that any new development is in keeping and meets the needs of the local area.”