On May 14, Executive Mayor Jason Perry invited investors and stakeholders to the Growth Plan and Town Centre Vision launch on May 14.
Plans to revitalise Croydon’s struggling town centre have faced years of delays, but both the council and Westfield say real progress is now being made.
(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand)
Mayor Perry told all attendees: “Our vision is not just based on retail, but about residential experience, economy, entertainment, leisure, jobs, and opportunities.
“I’m really proud of our town, and I want all of you to be proud of Croydon too.”
Perry told investors that the council is putting the right conditions in place to attract businesses and build long-term confidence.
He added: “There’s a heart here, there’s a muscle here, there’s a good population here.
“Now is the time for us to really move forward and make Croydon that great place that we know it can be.”
He also acknowledged Croydon’s reputation, which has taken a hit in recent years due to rising crime, empty shops and stalled regeneration.
“We’re changing the narrative around that,” he said.
“Croydon is a great place to live, work and play, and people need to understand that.”
The Growth Plan was developed alongside Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), which now owns the leasehold of both the Whitgift and Centrale shopping centres.
Penny Cameron, Head of URW, attended the meeting, alongside other stakeholders, and said the company remains committed to Croydon.
She explained: “We have a long history in Croydon.
“We’re committed to the culture, youthful energy, and the local pride.
“None of that has changed.
“But post-pandemic, the world has changed, especially in our approach to shopping.
“We took a step back to reconsider our plans.
“We see a real opportunity for regeneration, including homes, shops, leisure and offices, a revitalised town centre that will celebrate Croydon’s distinct character and diversity.”
Croydon Council’s Planning Committee approved URW’s initial masterplan in February, which reduces retail space and focuses on a mixed-use development with homes, shops and cultural venues.
To show short-term progress, Penny confirmed that Costa del Croydon will return for the whole of August, and that seven new shops, including retail and food outlets, will open soon in the old Allders building.
She added: “Between Whitgift and Centrale, there’s an awful lot going on in the background, but hopefully over the coming six months, there will be a lot more for the people of Croydon to see on the ground and in the future.
Speaking exclusively to Your Local Guardian, we asked Mayor Perry about the Whitgift Centre.
“Working with URW, they’ve got the Masterplan, and that’s about a mixed-use Whitgift Centre.
“So, we will see more residential, but we’ll see the creation of streets and a much nicer place in the town centre.
“A mixed economy of education, culture, immersive experience and residential.
“I think we’ll see a very different place coming forward.”
Over the past few months, Your Local Guardian has been looking into the changes in Croydon’s shopping scene.
After a week of stories digging into Croydon’s shopping scene, it’s clear the town centre is still facing big challenges.
Empty shops are still an issue, and there are problems to solve, but things are moving in the right direction.
The council and investors are moving forward with plans to revitalise the area.
Seven new shops are opening soon in the old Allders building and Costa del Croydon is back for August.
We’ve spoken to local business owners, former employees, shoppers and residents, who all have different views.
Whether these changes stick will come down to ongoing support and investment.
But for now, Croydon is showing signs it could finally be turning a corner.
