Surrey Street Market in Croydon marks 750 years with a community vision

Croydon has been a market town for a very long time. Surrey Street Market is one of the oldest markets in the UK, with records of a marketplace from the 1200s, and 2026 marks 750 years since a Royal Charter established a market in Croydon.

To celebrate that heritage and plan for the future, the community has been helping to shape a new vision for the street. In March 2026 the vision was launched at the market itself, the result of work by the Surrey Street Action Group, a partnership of Croydon residents, businesses, market traders and community organisations working alongside Croydon Council.

The project, called Amplifying Surrey Street, is backed by £4.4 million of investment. That includes £3 million from the Croydon Growth Zone and a capital grant of £814,000 from the Mayor of London's Civic Partnership Programme, which the council won through a competitive bid.

The vision sets out six aims for a welcoming, safe and inclusive area. Plans include a new visual identity for the street co-produced with local people, improvements to the south entrance, better market infrastructure, new greenery, cultural uses for empty shops and events to draw more visitors.

Action Group member Nicky Selwyn said: "I love the vibrancy and diversity of Surrey Street." She described the process as "true co-production" and said the project would inject new life into the area.

Croydon's executive mayor, Jason Perry, said: "We are proud to be helping Surrey Street thrive", adding that the vision celebrates the market's heritage while investing in its future. Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor of London for Planning and Regeneration, said the project "will revitalise the area, celebrating its history".

The anniversary itself has been marked in colour. Croydon Council commissioned south London artist Vic Lee to create an 18 metre mural on Croydon High Street, at the heart of the market, sharing "surprising stories, facts and memories" from its history. It celebrates the 1276 Royal Charter, granted by Archbishop Robert Kilwardby, which gave Croydon the right to hold a weekly market.

Today the market runs from Monday to Saturday, with Saturday the busiest day, and fruit and vegetables remain at its heart. For the traders who set up their stalls, the anniversary is a reminder that they are part of a tradition stretching back centuries.

Surrey Street Market is in central Croydon, a short walk from East Croydon and West Croydon stations. For updates on Amplifying Surrey Street and market events, visit news.croydon.gov.uk.