5 /5 Gareth Page: Addiscombe Railway Park is a 1.3 hectare linear park between Blackhorse Lane tramstop and East India Way, laid along the footprint of the line between Woodside Junction and Addiscombe station. Though quite short, its been invaluable during the Covid-19 pandemic as a spot for exercise and for mental well-being.
The Addiscombe railway branch line was opened in 1864 following the acquisition of the Mid Kent Railway by South Eastern. It was closed in May 1997 to allow construction of Croydon Tramlink which uses part of the former route of the Woodside & South Croydon line, itself closed down in May 1983.
The station, demolished before full planning permission was granted, was turned into a housing development and the park site given over to Croydon Council by Bellway Homes in 2003.
Addiscombe Railway Park was opened to the public on 26 May 2007 but suffered from flooding after heavy rain - the pathway crosses Norbury Brook somewhere around Dalmally Passage and the subsoil is impervious London Clay - since remedied by asphalting the surface to provide a cycle and footpath along much of its length.
Indigenous vegetation has been allowed to regenerate and over 1500 shrubs and young trees have been planted by the British Trust for Nature Conservation, creating a natural habitat for birds, wildlife and plants in the area. The industrial history of the site is commemorated with railway artefacts and signage made from old railway sleepers and the park is tended by volunteers from the Friends of Addiscombe Railway Park
