Croydon leisure park refurb

RBS funds major Croydon leisure park refurb



Funding from RBS to London-based property investment company DPK East Limited has enabled a £20m+ investment in Croydon’s Colonnades Leisure Park.


The investor acquired the leisure park (pictured above) – built on the site of the former Water Palace – in 2015 with 60,000 sq ft of vacant space.

The funding from RBS – combined with expertise from asset manager SMART4 – has enabled DPK East to implement a strategic development programme to restructure the park and reposition the Colonnades as a dominant, mixed-use retail and leisure scheme to capitalise on growing demand for customer convenience.

DPK has refurbished vacant space on the site to enable Oxygen Freejumping to open a 30,000 sq ft trampoline park featuring 100 trampolines, 14 unique zones, dodgeball courts and more.

Earlier this year, Wickes opened a new 24,000 sq ft DIY store on the site.

The Colonnades comprises a 160,000 sq ft retail and leisure park, with other occupiers including Nuffield Health, McDonald’s, Premier Inn, Pizza Hut and the first Costa Drive Thru on Purley Way, which opened following the park’s acquisition.

Ian Rusbridge, director of asset manager and retail consultancy SMART4, commented: “We have created significant growth at the Colonnades since the asset was acquired in 2015 and it is fantastic to see the scheme become so popular with visitors and new occupiers alike.

“We have experienced strong demand from retail and leisure operators and have exciting plans to further improve this scheme.

“Thanks to the support from RBS as funder, the opening of both Wickes and Oxygen Freejumping has enabled the Colonnades to strengthen its market position and offer visitors an enjoyable experience.”

Sebastian Walley, director at RBS Real Estate Finance, added: “RBS is proud to continue to support DPK East as it builds on its strong market position, and I look forward to seeing how the site’s redevelopment benefits Croydon residents.”



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