John Lewis to anchor Westfield Croydon development

John Lewis and Waitrose have been confirmed as anchors for the new 1.4 billion pound redevelopment of Croydon town centre.

The Croydon Partnership, a joint venture between Westfield and Hammerson, confirmed in a press release that John Lewis and Waitrose would be located under one roof combining a full-line department store with the supermarket to create a “contemporary shopping experience” for customers.

Spanning 165,000 square foot, the four-level John Lewis department store will feature a Waitrose supermarket on the ground floor, bringing together the two brands in what the companies call a “new way” of offering the “very latest concepts and services”. The opening will mark the seventh “full service” John Lewis department store in London.

Craig Inglis, customer director at John Lewis, said in a statement: “We are delighted to be opening a new full-line department store in the newly developed centre, offering the services and products for which we are well known. This exciting new shop will showcase our latest thinking in shop design, creating a modern space for shoppers with customer experience at its heart.”

Ben Stimson, retail director at Waitrose, added: “This is an exciting opportunity to bring the Waitrose and John Lewis brands together under one roof as part of a state-of-the-art retail and leisure destination and reinforces our commitment to Croydon’s future.”

Westfield Croydon adds John Lewis and Waitrose to line-up

The two retail brands will be part of the Croydon redevelopment which will offer over 300 shops, including a brand new Marks and Spencer, restaurants, cafés; leisure facilities and a multi-screen cinema complex. In addition, up to 1,000 new homes will also be built.

John Burton, head of development, Westfield Europe, said: “This is a major milestone and is a demonstration of the strength of Croydon and the project. John Lewis is the most requested addition to the town centre and its arrival will ensure Croydon’s future as the retail and leisure capital for South London.”

Peter Cole, chief investment Officer, Hammerson, added: “The decision by John Lewis and Waitrose to open anchor stores in Croydon town centre highlights the importance of this growing regional catchment and the desire from leading retailers to have a significant presence in the town.”

The redevelopment of Croydon’s retail centre is part of a wider 5.25 billion pound plan to transform the town, which was given approval at the end of last year by Croydon Council and the Mayor of London. The retail redevelopment will bring 7,000 new jobs to the area.

The earliest date for construction to commence will be during 2019.

Image: courtesy of Croydon Partnership