Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) had its planning permission approved by Croydon Council in 2024 to redevelop the front of the former Allders department store.
The redevelopment will introduce new food outlets, shops, and community services.
The former shopping centre is currently boarded up, with work being undertaken on its interior and exterior.
The front of the North End will be refurbished with only a few changes.
(Image: URW)
Seven new units are planned for the front of the building, with five retail shops and two food and drink outlets.
They range in size from 450 to 1,300 square feet and mark the first phase of the Allders revival.
The plans to activate the Allders building follow a programme of events and activations that took place in Croydon last summer.
Popular beach experience Costa Del Croydon, which ran last August, attracted more than 30,000 visitors in August and delivered a range of free and paid-for activities across the summer holidays for families to enjoy a beach experience in the heart of town.
When the plans were approved, Penny Cameron, Head of Development UK at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: “This is the first step of many in our plan to revive this much-loved Croydon landmark, bringing Allders back into use as a space the community can enjoy, while preserving its heritage.”
“We look forward to working with the Council to deliver these new shops, services, and food outlets for Croydon.”
Mayor Jason Perry welcomed the plans as part of the wider regeneration for the town centre.
Allders has a long-standing history in Croydon, having first opened its doors in 1862.
It grew to become one of the largest department stores in the UK, known for its grand architecture, wide range of products, and central role in the town’s shopping scene.
At its peak, Allders attracted thousands of shoppers each week and was a key part of Croydon’s identity.
The store eventually closed in 2012, and the building has remained largely unused in the years since.
This latest development marks a significant step forward for the town centre.
