Croydon’s North End is poised for a transformation as the historic Allders department store prepares to reopen its doors, introducing a host of new shops and restaurants to the area. This revitalisation follows a strategic agreement between Croydon Council and the developers Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), signalling a new chapter for the town centre.
Central to the impending changes is a commitment to enhance safety, security, and cleanliness. As part of this initiative, the Wellesley Road Subway will be removed and replaced with a surface-level crossing, aiming to improve pedestrian accessibility and safety.
Among the highlights of the regeneration are plans to breathe new life into the iconic Allders building, which will feature five new retail and dining establishments. This ambitious project aligns with Executive Mayor Jason Perry’s vision for Croydon, as outlined in his Business Plan. Mayor Perry has engaged closely with URW to ensure that the redevelopment of the Whitgift and Centrale shopping centres includes vital upgrades that benefit all who live, work, and visit the area.
The areas of focus for this extensive regeneration plan include:
North End Activities: A series of pop-ups, installations, and performances designed to foster a vibrant shopping and leisure environment, while also addressing concerns around antisocial behaviour.
Revitalisation of Allders: URW’s plans will reintegrate elements of Croydon’s historic department store, providing fresh culinary and retail options for the community.
Safety, Security, and Cleaning: Initiatives aimed at curtailing crime and enhancing the overall cleanliness of the town centre.
Public Engagement: The leasing of space in the Whitgift Centre to Croydon Urban Room, which will serve as a hub for exhibitions, workshops, and events focused on the regeneration efforts.
Connectivity Enhancements: Financial support for the construction of a level crossing across Wellesley Road, facilitating safer pedestrian movement.
As URW finalises their masterplan framework for their town centre holdings, anticipation builds for a new major planning application that is expected to encompass a diverse range of uses, including retail, dining, leisure, and residential spaces.
A timeline for the completion of these ambitious upgrades remains unspecified, but discussions are set to take place this Wednesday among council officials regarding a £6 million plan aimed at facilitating immediate improvements in North End while also providing financial support for local businesses.
This funding, part of Croydon Council’s collaboration with URW, is intended to offset delays in the shopping centre’s renovation and ensure that cultural activities, which flourished during Croydon’s tenure as the London Borough of Culture, continue to thrive.
In a recent statement, Mayor Perry emphasised the council’s dedication to driving the regeneration of the town centre. “We are leveraging every possible avenue to propel our vision forward, from securing external funding to facilitating the redevelopment of key sites like the Whitgift Centre,” he said. “This £6 million investment will deliver immediate enhancements to North End, while we collaborate with URW to shape the long-term future of a vibrant Croydon that we can all take pride in.”
As Croydon embarks on this transformative journey, the recent opening of the exclusive yet affordable rental apartment building, Enclave, adds another layer of allure to the area. With its modern amenities and prime location, Enclave exemplifies the town’s commitment to providing quality living options for residents, further enhancing the appeal of North End as a thriving urban centre.