Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) has completed the purchase of the freehold for the Whitgift Centre in Croydon and adjoining properties from the John Whitgift Foundation for £31.5m, a transaction URW says clears a path for the next stage of its long‑planned town centre regeneration.
Streamlining ownership to progress masterplan
The acquisition brings together the remaining freehold interests in the site — including parts of the former Allders building and Green Park House — into a single ownership. URW already holds a long lease over the Whitgift Centre and bought out its previous development partner Hammerson late last year to gain fuller control over the proposed redevelopment.
"In line with our plans, the next steps are to lodge a strategic planning application for the site having conducted extensive public consultation, and to work collaboratively with Croydon Council and other local stakeholders on improvements to North End and the immediate area,"
The comment from Adam Smith, URW’s strategic development director, frames the purchase as a “positive milestone” on the developer’s timetable. URW says it will now move towards submitting a strategic planning application after extensive public consultation.
Impact for the town and local stakeholders
For residents and businesses around North End, the simplification of the site’s ownership is likely to bring clarity about the likely form and pace of change. URW’s plans, originally conceived in 2010 and at one point envisaging a third Westfield in London, were refreshed when the company unveiled a new masterplan for Croydon at the end of 2024. The deal is the latest step in a long‑running process to transform a substantial area of the town centre.
- Site elements included in the sale: Whitgift Centre, Green Park House and parts of Allders not already owned by URW.
- Sale price to John Whitgift Foundation: £31.5m.
- Next steps signalled by URW: strategic planning application and further public consultation.
Charitable foundation retains focus on education funding
The John Whitgift Foundation, which historically held the land and used income from the shopping centre to underwrite bursaries and other charitable work, said the sale will allow it to concentrate on its core educational and charitable mission. The foundation’s chair emphasised that the decision followed prolonged court scrutiny and consideration of the strategic, financial and community impacts of any disposal.
"By simplifying ownership and enabling progress on regeneration, we believe this decision supports the long‑term vitality of the town as well as the sustainability of the foundation’s work,"
The foundation said income previously derived from the centre will continue to be used to support bursaries and that it will consolidate its endowment investments following the transaction.
Questions for council and planning process
The transfer of the freehold hands URW a more complete remit to develop proposals, but any major changes to the town centre will require detailed engagement with Croydon Council, statutory consultees and residents. The company has signalled its intention to work collaboratively with the council and other local stakeholders on improvements to North End and the surrounding area. Local campaigners and businesses will now be watching closely for the content of the strategic planning application and the timelines for public consultation events.
| Item | Previous ownership | Now owned by |
|---|---|---|
| Whitgift Centre (freehold) | John Whitgift Foundation / long lease to URW | URW |
| Green Park House | John Whitgift Foundation | URW |
| Parts of Allders | Mixed | URW (those parts not already owned) |
As URW advances its programme, practical matters for Croydon residents will include the timing of any demolition or construction works, changes to retail provision on North End and arrangements for businesses and shoppers during redevelopment. The council’s planning department will be responsible for scrutinising any strategic application and assessing impacts on transport, public realm, housing and local services.
For now, the sale represents a clear shift from divided ownership towards a consolidated development authority for one of Croydon’s most prominent sites. The firm’s next published steps should clarify the scale and nature of the transformation the town centre may expect.
