The Croydon Partnership has welcomed the recent granting of a compulsory purchase order as a “significant step” towards the delivery of a £1billion retail and leisure destination on the site of the existing Whitgift Centre.
Secretary of State Greg Clark rubberstamped the findings of an inquiry earlier this year to confirm the CPO, which underpins the next phase of the project to conclude the assembly of the land required for the scheme.
During this next phase, the council and the Croydon Partnership will work with stakeholders involved with the day to day running of the town to ensure that Croydon continues to provide a retail offer during the development stage.
In parallel with the CPO land assembly process, the Croydon Partnership’s development team will be working hard to progress the next stage of planning, design and masterplan of the scheme. The Partnership is also making good progress with its negotiations with retailers who are expressing interest in being involved in the new scheme.
John Burton, Westfield’s head of development, said: “We welcome the Secretary of State’s decision to confirm the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the Whitgift Centre and surrounding land.
“The decision is integral to the site assembly process that underpins Croydon Partnership’s proposals for the major retail regeneration of Croydon’s town centre and represents another important milestone towards delivering the scheme which will bring 5,000 new jobs to the area and help unlock Croydon’s enormous potential.
The Croydon Partnership continues to work closely with the Council and the local community to ensure the redevelopment brings maximum benefits to the borough.
In the summer, the Partnership celebrated the 1st anniversary of its Community Plan, which brings together a comprehensive programme of community support, with a focus on youth engagement and local enterprise. In its first year, the Croydon Partnership has invested over £300,000 in the community.
The Community Plan is strengthening the Partnership’s relationship with residents, local businesses and grass roots organisations, while providing further demonstration of Westfield and Hammerson’s long-term commitment to the town.
Peter Cole, Hammerson’s chief investment officer, said: “This development will undoubtedly help deliver Croydon’s huge potential to become South London’s leading retail and leisure destination. With the significant milestones already achieved this year, we remain confident in our plan to transform and restore Croydon’s retail centre.”
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