Ministers have confirmed a compulsory purchase order for a shopping centre to enable the regeneration of Croydon…
Croydon is set to undergo a major revamp of its town centre after Ministers confirmed a compulsory purchase order for Whitgift Shopping Centre.
The town centre is set to undergo a £1bn regeneration, which will encourage further development and bring in new custom and business to the town.
The shopping centre, which is deemed out of date, will be revamped into a modern retail hub with leisure, accommodation, and community facilities.
Planning Minister Brandon Lewis said: “Croydon is a town on the rise and as a One Nation government we’re determined to support that.
“This decision allows for an ambitious £1 billion redevelopment of the town centre that will transform it into a vibrant hub that people want to visit.
“It has the potential to bring massive benefits to local people and businesses and will ensure Croydon continues its transformation into a first-class destination.
The Whitgift Centre, which was built between 1965 and 1970, spans three-storeys and 7-hectares. Developers Westfield and Hammerson hope to update the centre to transform it into a vibrant metropolitan hub.
Plans for the site will see the overhaul of the area between Poplar Walk, Wellesley Road, George Street, and North End. It will comprise of 136,500 square metres (sq m) of retail space, 16,400 sq m of leisure facilities, 1,100 sq m of community facilities, and 1,900 sq m of offices. Outline planning permission has been granted, but details of the proposal will need to be approved at a later date.
The compulsory purchase order for the site was made by Croydon Borough Council and was considered during a public inquiry held between 3 February and 13 March this year. The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government agreed with an independent planning inspector that the order should be approved.