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CPO confirmed for Croydon retail development

Croydon Council has backed the decision to confirm the compulsory purchase order (CPO) to bring together land for the £1bn Westfield/Hammerson scheme.

The retail development will see the existing Whitgift shopping centre transformed into a state-of-the-art retail, leisure and restaurant destination alongside hundreds of new homes, including affordable housing, which will deliver huge benefits for Croydon residents.

It is expected to create around 5,000 new jobs, which together with construction jobs will provide significant employment for local people.

The Whitgift redevelopment is part of a larger £5.25bn regeneration programme in Croydon, which aims to deliver 23,500 new jobs and 8,500 homes in the town centre by 2031 – a delivery programme the size of Ebbsfleet in Kent, but in half the time.

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Greg Clark, has issued his decision to confirm the CPO following the recommendation of his Inspector, Paul Griffiths, who led the six-week inquiry in February and March of this year.

Councillor Tony Newman, leader of Croydon Council said: “This is a day of celebration for Croydon residents and an important milestone for them. Today’s decision is a monumental step forward for Croydon, and a vitally important stage in our town’s transformation into a modern, European city.

“The redevelopment of the 1960s Whitgift Centre will reposition Croydon as the best place to shop, live and work in South London and the wider region in the 21st century.

“As well as a premier retail destination, this will deliver thousands of new jobs for our residents and new affordable homes.

“We are absolutely delighted with today’s decision, and that we can now move forward with the Westfield-Hammerson development.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .