A new waiting area at Lunar House has been completed after years of discomfort for thousands of immigrants and asylum seekers who "waited in the cold and rain" to get seen by officials.

The waiting facilities, which were inadequate and did not provide shelter from the wind, have been upgraded by the UK Border Agency after the South London Citizens, an immigration campaign group, produced a report highlighting the need to improve conditions for the public.

The opening of the new centre is marked by a plaque at the entrance to the building in memory of Mary Apragas, a Sri Lankan woman who campaigned for better conditions.

Mrs Apragas, mother of three and a parishioner of St Dominic's Church, Waddon, was an active member of the South London Citizens and worked hard to change the waiting conditions at Lunar House.

She died of throat cancer early last year, before seeing her dream realised. The plaque, which was carved by stonemason Tom Waugh, was unveiled by Mary's children, and reads: Mary Apragas, 2004, Voice of Courage.

Barbara Nalumu, co-chair for Croydon at South London Citizens, said: "When I came to the UK from Uganda 20 years ago, I waited in the cold and rain, and remember thinking, ‘This is not much of a welcome to Britain.’ I'm so delighted about the new Centre. No one else will have to stand out in the cold again."

Bernadette Farrell, lead organiser of South London Citizens, said: "We're delighted to see our shared vision for Lunar House realised to benefit staff, citizens and migrants alike. It's been inspiring to work with Tony Smith and Sonia Dower of UK Border Agency, whose dedication to serving ordinary people sets a very high standard."

Tony Smith, UK Border Agency Regional Director, said: “I am really pleased that we have opened our new public entrance for Lunar House. I am sure that everyone is as delighted as I am with the new structure which will offer shelter from the weather to those visiting Lunar House to either renew their visas or to seek protection.

“This is clear evidence of our close and productive relationship with South London Citizens which I know will continue to grow from strength to strength.

“Projects like this don’t just happen. They are the result of hard work and commitment by a lot of people, staff and volunteers alike.”