Businesses based in the former Allders building have begun relocating into the Whitgift Centre.
The traders’ moves follow discussions with Croydon Council and the Croydon Partnership after the council took possession of the former department store building in July, as part of the CPO process.
Six businesses have already taken advantage of the support offered by Croydon Council and the Croydon Partnership, and have relocated to the Whitgift Centre, while Bellamy’s Ice Cream has taken a kiosk in Centrale.
The six businesses that have moved are:
• Klass
• Fashion Club
• Flute and Harris
• Playnation/Heart of Gaming
• South Bank Travel
• Winborn and Gajjar
A further 11 businesses have also agreed relocation units and licences are being completed. Discussions are continuing with six other concessions to agree suitable relocation space.
Since possession was taken of the former Allders building, the Croydon Partnership, who is managing the building on behalf of the council, has undertaken statutory health and safety surveys.
The extensive surveys undertaken to date have identified a range of health and safety issues, which require further, detailed examination during which time the building will remain closed.
These additional surveys, which have been commissioned by the Croydon Partnership, are already under way. On completion, both the council and the Croydon Partnership will decide what works need to be undertaken to ensure the building remains safe for future use.
Assistance for all businesses located within the former Allders building remains on offer.
“We thank the businesses in the former Allders building for their patience during what we know will have been a challenging and frustrating time.
“It’s really good to see discussions between us, the Croydon Partnership and the traders have been productive and we’re seeing businesses reopen in the Whitgift Centre.
“The council and the Croydon Partnership have been working hard to support those affected by the closure of the store. We remain in contact with other traders to discuss relocation and the support that has been offered remains for those who wish to take it.”
Councillor Paul Scott, cabinet member for environment, transport and regeneration
A spokesperson for the Croydon Partnership said: “Our first priority is to ensure the future safety of the traders and shoppers. Commissioning these additional surveys are a necessary part of this process. We are working closely with all traders to discuss opportunities to relocate to the Whitgift Centre to ensure they continue trading in Croydon and we appreciate their cooperation and patience while these important surveys take place.”
Joanie and Georgia, the managers of womenswear shop Fashion Club – which is now located opposite Sainsbury’s – said of their relocation: “We have been opened only for a few days but we are very happy, we have a good overview [of the shop] and customers are happy that they have found us and we are still open and trading. Overall it’s been a positive move to the Whitgift Centre.”
