The Whitgift Shopping Centre redevelopment is a mixed-use development aimed at creating new homes, leisure and retail facilities and public spaces in Croydon, London, UK. The £1.4bn ($1.93bn) plan is part of the Croydon Town Centre infrastructure development.
Comprising Westfield and Hammerson, the Croydon Partnership joint venture is developing the project.
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The mixed-use development project aims to redevelop the Whitgift Centre located in the heart of Croydon, including the adjacent Centrale centre to create a modern shopping destination for people in Croydon and South London.
Construction on the redevelopment is expected to commence in 2019, while completion is scheduled for 2021. The project is expected to create approximately 7,000 new local jobs.
Purpose and details of the redevelopment project
Whitgift Shopping Centre has played a vital role in the socio-economic growth of Croydon, one of the biggest boroughs in London. The shopping centre has, however, suffered from a recent lack of investment, leading to an increasing number of vacant units and deterioration of customer footfall.
The 50-year old infrastructure, unattractive physical design and layout do not meet the needs of modern retailers, as a result of which a large number of people in Croydon and its adjacent areas are shopping at other locations.
The redevelopment project will add new retail and leisure facilities, residential units and improved public spaces with sustainable landscaping. Modernisation of retail spaces is expected to re-establish the centre as one of the leading retail and leisure destinations in the city.
Housing and retail spaces will be developed first, while the remaining will be developed in the later phases.
Retail and leisure developments
The retail developments of the project will cover 1.5 million square feet. It will include the creation of more than 300 retail outlets for a wide range of retailers. A brand-new flagship Marks & Spencer store and a large departmental store are expected to be added to the development.
The redeveloped centre will also have a range of leisure facilities such as a bowling alley, restaurants, cafes and a multiscreen cinema.
A total of 3,500 car parking spaces, including the existing car park at Centrale Shopping Centre, will provide visitors and residents with an easier and safer visiting experience to the town centre.
Whitgift Shopping Centre residential development
The Croydon Town Centre will have approximately 1,000 new homes, which also include houses under the London Living Rent scheme.
The new residential development will consist of four to five residential buildings overlooking Wellesley Road.
Public realm improvements
The public realm development will include an integrated approach towards landscaping at Wellesley Road. A south-facing courtyard surrounded by restaurants and cafes, along with seating spaces will be developed at George Street.
The redevelopment plans also include improvements to the Poplar Walk and better connections with West Croydon. Improvements at St.Michael’s Church, one of the oldest existing popular landmarks, will also be made.
The East-West Galleria leisure development will provide a natural connection between the North End and Wellesley Road. The Galleria will be a protected environment providing enhanced safety and security on the site along with improved connectivity within the town centre.
The North End pedestrianised road will have a simple landscape with the existing space improved into an attractive pedestrian area.
Contractors involved with the Whitgift Shopping Centre redevelopment
Quod acted as the strategic planning adviser for the redevelopment project and also assisted in the preparation of planning applications and negotiation of planning consents.
The master plan for the redevelopment was developed by Allies and Morrison.
