Croydon Council has endorsed the Masterplan Framework for Whitgift and Centrale shopping centres and surrounding area
The ambitious transformation of Croydon town centre has taken a major step forward, as Croydon Council has officially endorsed the Masterplan Framework for the Whitgift and Centrale shopping centres and the surrounding area. This marks a significant milestone in the long-awaited regeneration efforts, spearheaded by global developer Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), in collaboration with the council and local stakeholders.
The Masterplan Framework lays the groundwork for the comprehensive redevelopment of the ‘North End Quarter’, setting out key principles that will guide the evolution of the area into a dynamic, mixed-use destination. The vision includes the introduction of new homes, retail outlets, cultural venues, and revitalised public spaces to foster a more connected and vibrant town centre.
“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.”
-Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
URW’s masterplan has been shaped through extensive consultation, engaging with residents, businesses, and community groups at the Croydon Urban Room to ensure the development aligns with local aspirations. One of the key priorities of the framework is to enhance connectivity within the town centre by establishing a network of green spaces, pedestrian-friendly streets, and improved public areas. Moreover, historic landmarks such as the Whitgift Almshouses and the iconic Allders building will be conserved and seamlessly integrated into the redevelopment plans, ensuring Croydon’s heritage remains a focal point of the new vision.
The regeneration of Croydon’s town centre is a top priority for Executive Mayor Jason Perry, who has consistently highlighted the need to revitalise the borough’s economic landscape and restore civic pride. This commitment is central to the Mayor’s Business Plan for 2022-26, which outlines key initiatives aimed at stimulating investment and fostering sustainable growth.
URW’s masterplan aligns closely with Croydon Council’s broader ambitions for urban renewal, as outlined in the Partial Local Plan Review. At the same time, the council has launched an inward investment strategy, ‘Unlocking Croydon’s Potential’, designed to attract developers, investors, and business partners to drive regeneration and create new economic opportunities.
Parallel to URW’s plans, the ‘Amplifying Surrey Street’ project is also underway, focusing on preserving and expanding Croydon’s historic market. This initiative, funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and the Croydon Growth Zone, aims to activate vacant retail spaces, support cultural enterprises, and enhance public areas to create a safer, greener environment.
The Planning Committee’s endorsement of URW’s Masterplan Framework on 27 February paves the way for the next phase of development. URW will now move forward with detailed design work before submitting a formal planning application to the council.
Speaking on the significance of this milestone, Executive Mayor Jason Perry expressed his enthusiasm for the project’s progress: “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.”
Penny Cameron, Head of Development at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, also welcomed the council’s endorsement, noting the project’s transformative potential: “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 with input from our NextGen Panel, who will be appointed shortly to help shape the proposal.”
As Croydon embarks on this ambitious regeneration journey, the collaboration between the council, URW, and local stakeholders will be crucial in delivering a revitalised town centre that balances economic growth with cultural preservation and community engagement. With detailed planning now underway, the borough is on course for a major transformation that promises to redefine Croydon’s urban identity for generations to come.
