The John Lewis Partnership has signed a deal with retail property giants Westfield and Hammerson which will see it anchor the new £1.4 billion shopping centre in West Croydon.
The redevelopment of the Whitgift Centre, which is part of a wider £5.25 billion regeneration of Croydon, was approved by the local council last November, and is set to become London’s third Westfield complex.
It will now be anchored by a 165,000sq ft four-level John Lewis department store, incorporating a Waitrose on the ground floor.
“The Croydon Partnership is delighted to deliver two of the UK’s leading brands,” Westfield Europe head of development John Burton said.
“This is a major milestone and is a demonstration of the strength of Croydon and the project.
“John Lewis is the most requested addition to the town centre and its arrival will ensure Croydon’s future as the retail and leisure capital for south London.”
The project, which is set to start in 2019, is a joint venture between Westfield and Hammerson.
It will provide 500,000sq ft of new retail space, including over 300 shops and create 7000 jobs and was granted final approval by the London Mayor Sadiq Khan in January.
Croydon Council leader Tony Newman said: “This is great news for Croydon. John Lewis and Waitrose’s commitment to be part of the £1.4 billion redevelopment of the Whitgift shopping centre demonstrates their confidence in Croydon’s regeneration, its infrastructure and its growth and, most importantly, as a place that people want to be.
“We look forward to work starting on Croydon’s new world-class retail and leisure development next year and the wealth of offerings this will bring to local people, and to welcoming John Lewis to our town centre.”
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