Work has begun on £1million worth on upgrades to Central Parade in New Addington as part of the Connected Croydon street improvement project.
Footways between the Octagon and the Calat building are being widened and repaved over the next 16 weeks, creating level access into shops.
More bins, benches and cycle parking is being installed, parking arrangements for blue badge holders are being upgraded, the roadway is being resurfaced outside shops and brighter, low-energy lighting is being installed.
"Many of Croydon’s high streets and district centres are getting a significant makeover thanks to this huge investment programme," said Councillor Alison Butler, cabinet member for homes, regeneration and planning.
"As a result we’re seeing real improvements – not just to the quality of the environment but to the local economy.
"Businesses are attracted to places that feel safe, clean and inviting and the council is determined to ensure we do everything we can to make this happen.”
Plans were drawn up by a team of architects following a major consultation with local people in 2014.
New Addington’s weekly market will be unaffected by the works, which are the latest phase of the £50m borough-wide package of work jointly funded by the council and the Mayor of London that has recently seen significant changes in areas such as London Road in Broad Green and the South End restaurant quarter.
The Mayor has invested £956,000 in New Addington through his Regeneration Fund.
Sir Edward Lister, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Policy said: “The Mayor and council are working hard to breathe new life and vitality into Croydon, so it is important that retail and social hubs such as Central Parade are welcoming, attractive and reflect the upsurge in confidence in the town.
"This is just one of a number of projects that we are working on as we regenerate Croydon to make it a major driver of our economy.”
The South End project was recently nominated for a major national architectural award and has seen many new businesses open since that project was completed.