The major transformation of Croydon town centre moved closer today as a date was set for a final decision to be made on the plans put forward by the Croydon Partnership – the joint venture between Westfield and Hammerson.

The £1.4bn redevelopment proposal for the Whitgift Shopping Centre is set to go before a special meeting of the council’s planning committee on Tuesday 14 November.

Croydon Council has been working closely with the Greater London Authority (GLA), local MPs and the Minister for London to do all it could to ensure the Partnership’s proposals made it to a planning committee.

If given the green light, the exciting development will bring 5,000 new jobs and 1,000 new homes to the borough, as well as dramatically changing the shops, leisure and entertainment facilities on offer in the town centre, cementing Croydon’s reputation as one of the best destinations in the capital to live, work and play.

The Partnership’s plans were first granted planning permission in February 2014 but last October, an enhanced outline planning application was submitted featuring some key revisions, including a third level of retail and leisure, additional new homes and a new flagship Marks and Spencer store.