Croydon Westfield shopping centre gets mayoral approval

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has approved a major development which will give a major boost to long-term plans to regenerate Croydon town centre.

The redevelopment of the Whitgift shopping centre by the Croydon Partnership – a joint venture between Westfield and Hammerson – will create 7,000 jobs, deliver nearly 1,000 new homes, and provide the local community with brand-new leisure facilities and rejuvenated public spaces.

More than 500,000m² of shops and restaurants will be built, alongside space for future student accommodation or a hotel.

Sadiq Khan gave the project the green light after it was approved by Croydon Council’s planning committee.

He 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.”

Westfield UK/Europe’s Head of Development, John Burton OBE, said: “The endorsement from the Mayor of London represents a great start to the year for the project and for Croydon.

“The London Borough of Croydon responded positively to our revised outline planning application, and we’re pleased that this has now been approved by the Mayor.”