Croydon Council scrutinises Whitgift Centre redevelopment plans
URW’s scheme proposes up to 4,000 homes, a 2,000‑person public square and towers as high as 45 storeys, with an outline application slated for 2027
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Croydon Council has opened formal scrutiny of pre‑application drawings submitted by Unibail‑Rodamco‑Westfield for the Whitgift Centre site, as reported by the BBC. The council’s planning officers will assess the proposals against local policies and heritage considerations before any formal decision is taken.
Background
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Unibail‑Rodamco‑Westfield acquired the ageing Whitgift Centre, the adjacent Green Park House and portions of the former Allders building from the John Whitgift Foundation in July, paying £31.5 million, according to BBC coverage. The purchase gave the developer control of a central south‑London retail complex that has been vacant for several years. Council documents show that the acquisition was a prerequisite for the new masterplan, which the developer presented to a council committee earlier this year.
Key proposals
The masterplan outlines a residential‑led scheme that would deliver between 3,000 and 4,000 new homes across a mix of tower blocks and lower‑rise blocks. Tower heights would vary from 12 storeys to a maximum of 45 storeys. A public square, called “The Forum” in the proposals, is designed to host events for up to 2,000 attendees. The plan also includes a new green space provisionally named Whitgift Park. Heritage impact assessments note the locally listed 1960s Centre Tower and existing pedestrian routes as factors the council must consider. Green Party councillor Ria Patel, speaking to the BBC, said the borough needs genuinely affordable housing as part of the scheme.
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the most efficient masterplan we can come up with to make sure it is as viable as possible
Adam Smith, URW strategic development director
Next steps
URW has indicated it will lodge a formal outline planning application in 2027, as reported by the BBC. Croydon Council will continue its scrutiny phase, during which council officers will produce a report for the Planning Committee. Residents will be invited to submit observations and objections through a public consultation portal that the council will open later this year. The council’s decision on the outline application will be taken after the consultation period ends and any required amendments are considered.
Questions this report answers
+What is Croydon Council doing with the Whitgift Centre plans?
Croydon Council has begun formal scrutiny of the pre‑application drawings submitted by URW. Officers will assess the scheme against local planning policy, heritage concerns and housing targets before the council decides whether to accept or reject the outline application.
+How many homes are proposed and what other facilities are included?
The developer’s proposal calls for between 3,000 and 4,000 new homes, a public square capable of holding 2,000 people, a new green space called Whitgift Park, and residential towers ranging from 12 to 45 storeys, alongside lower‑rise blocks.
+When will the formal planning application be submitted and how can residents respond?
URW intends to submit a formal outline planning application in 2027. After submission, Croydon Council will open a public consultation period during which residents can submit comments, objections or support through the council’s online portal before the Planning Committee votes.
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