Mayor approves Croydon town centre regeneration

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has given the green light to Croydon Partnership’s plans to overhaul the Whitgift shopping centre, which will give a “major boost” to long-term plans to regenerate Croydon town centre.

The 1.4 billion pound redevelopment of Whitgift, a joint venture between Westfield and Hammerson, will create more than 1.5 million square feet of retail and leisure space, which will be home to 300 new stores, restaurants and leisure facilities and bring 7,000 new jobs to the area.

The Mayor gave the project the green light after it was approved by Croydon Council’s planning committee late last year.

Commenting on his decision, Khan said: “This marks a crucial step forward in the regeneration of Croydon town centre. This development will play a key role in unlocking the borough’s potential and is set to deliver huge economic benefits to residents and businesses in the borough.

“As well as the creation of 7,000 jobs and the delivery of almost 1,000 new homes, it will also attract many visitors to its brand-new leisure facilities and public spaces. I’m confident the benefits of this scheme will be felt for generations to come.”

Hammerson chief investment officer, Peter Cole, added: “This confirmation from the Mayor of London that he supports our proposals will give further confidence to retailers, investors and the community, giving us the mandate to deliver a transformative, world-class retail and leisure destination which is already stimulating the ongoing wider regeneration of Croydon.”

The new development will feature a new Marks and Spencer flagship store, a 24-hour public walkway and up to 1,000 new homes. Construction for the billion pound scheme is set to begin in 2019.

Image: courtesy of Croydon Partnership