Croydon’s ‘transformation’ just around the corner after masterplan endorsed

3 March 2025 Claudia Lee

Croydon council has endorsed developers ‘masterplan’ for the regeneration of the boroughs town centre.

The ‘masterplan’, endorsed by the local authorities planning committee on Thursday, promises huge changes to the Whitgift and Centrale shopping centres as well as new homes, cultural venues and public spaces.

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said: “Croydon has so much potential and the regeneration of our town centre is crucial to maximising this, putting our borough back on the map and restoring pride.”

Developer Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) submitted the plans following months of consultations with residents and the council.

The framework, which covers the North End Quarter including Allders and the Centrale & Whitgift Shopping Centre, aims to guide “long-term regeneration” over the next 10 to 15 years.

The current Whitgift Centre will see large-scale redevelopment, while Centrale will see fewer changes, according to URW.

Penny Cameron, head of development at URW, said: “Our vision for the North End Quarter is one that will revitalise Croydon’s town centre through a truly mixed-use offer, while celebrating the area’s unique heritage.

“We are pleased to have this support from the council, allowing us to embark on next stage designs.”

*Under the plans, the Whitgift centre will be redeveloped to include public space, housing, retail and community units (Picture: URW)*

A network of green spaces and pedestrian-friendly streets are included in the proposals, whilst historic landmarks like the Whitgift Almshouses and the iconic frontages of Allders will be protected.

URW is working with freeholders of the area including the John Whitgift Foundation to ensure “a holistic approach”.

In next steps, URW will work with a panel of 16 to 25 year-olds who live, work or study in the borough to shape the proposals.

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said: “Our partnership with URW is fundamental to this transformation and I welcome the next stage in the development of their masterplan.”

The redevelopment of the Whitgift Centre site was first proposed in 2012, with a £1billion retail space set to be completed by 2017. But, after years of delays residents lost hope of seeing their retail megacomplex.

Then, last year, URW took over the project from joint venture partner Hammerson, with a fresh set of retail and residential redevelopment plans.

While construction is not expected until 2028, URW hopes to deliver the first planning application to Croydon council next year.

Pictured top: A birds eye view of the plans for Croydon Town Centre (Picture: URW)