The regeneration of Croydon town centre has reached a significant milestone, after the Masterplan Framework for Whitgift and Centrale shopping centres and surrounding area, was endorsed by Croydon Council.

Developers Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) have submitted the framework ahead of a planning application, setting out the principles to redevelop the ‘North End Quarter’ into a vibrant, mixed use centre. This would include homes, shops, cultural venues and public spaces.

It has been developed by URW in collaboration with the Council and following engagement with residents, businesses and community groups and at the Croydon Urban Room.

The Masterplan Framework proposes the creation of a better-connected town centre through a network of public spaces, green areas and pedestrian friendly streets. Historic landmarks, like the Whitgift Almshouses and landmark Allders building, will be conserved and integrated into the future vision.

The regeneration of Croydon is a priority for Executive Mayor Jason Perry, to restore pride in the borough, as set out in the Mayor’s Business Plan 2022-26.

URW’s Masterplan Framework for the North End Quarter seeks to align with the Council’s vision for the wider town centre area and the submitted Partial Local Plan Review..

At the same time, a new inward investment plan, ‘Unlocking Croydon’s Potential’, sets out how the Executive Mayor and Council will bring partners, developers, investors and communities together to support regeneration and create economic opportunity.

The Amplifying Surrey Street project is also underway, which aims to protect and drive growth of the historic market; reactivate empty shops and spaces for use by culture groups and create safer, greener public spaces. The project is funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Croydon Growth Zone.

URW’s Masterplan Framework was endorsed by Croydon’s Planning Committee on Thursday 27 February. The next stage will be for URW to progress more detailed design and masterplanning work, before submitting a planning application to the council.

“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. This is a top priority for me and I have been working with a huge range of external partners to drive forward a really exciting vision for our town centre.

“Our partnership with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is fundamental to this transformation and I welcome the next stage in the development of their masterplan. Incorporating the Whitgift Centre, Allders, and the surrounding area, the masterplan envisions a vibrant mixed-use town centre – creating new homes, shops, educational and cultural spaces, where Croydon’s businesses can thrive and communities flourish.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon

Penny Cameron, Head of Development at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, 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 areas unique heritage. We are pleased to have this support from the council, allowing us to embark on next stage designs with input from our NextGen Panel who will be appointed shortly to help shape the proposal.”