Behind the Scenes

20 November 2025   •  5 min read

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Behind the Scenes at Allders Parade

Allders Parade is open and ready to welcome visitors, marking a new moment in the story of one of Croydon’s most iconic landmarks. As part of our ongoing commitment to revitalising the town centre, we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how this transformation was delivered. 

The Allders building has a long history in the heart of Croydon. Once home to the iconic Allders department store, the building has been used in many different ways over the decades. Our latest works continue that story.  

Improving a historic building is never straightforward. It required detailed engagement with Croydon Council’s heritage and planning officers to make sure the changes respected the building’s heritage. Construction brought some unexpected challenges, requiring careful modernisation throughout the works. Among the key upgrades were new windows and glazing, creating brighter, contemporary spaces for today’s retailers. 

With construction complete, Allders Parade now offers a refreshed look and improved spaces for businesses and visitors alike.  

Click through the photo carousel to see the craftsmanship and teamwork that brought this historic building back to life. You can read more about the history of Allders on the Museum of Croydon website.

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield has submitted a planning application to Croydon Council for a proposed package of external improvements to Centrale Shopping Centre, marking another milestone in the ongoing regeneration of Croydon town centre.</p>
<p>The proposals introduce a new architectural approach to Centrale’s two main entrances on North End, featuring new glazing, higher quality materials and integrated lighting to create a brighter, clearer and more welcoming environment. The designs draw inspiration from Croydon’s local character and heritage and include measures to create better accessibility and enhance wayfinding. A major element of the plan is the reduction of dark recessed areas along North End, improving sightlines and enabling more active, useable shopfronts on one of the town centre’s busiest pedestrian streets.</p>
<p>The works are the first phase of an aspired wider programme of improvements, and Centrale will remain open for trading throughout. Creating a more welcoming street front / facade will complement the recently launched Allders parade, in addition to Croydon Council’s anticipated upgrades to North End. All of this will enhance the attractiveness of central Croydon in parallel with the comprehensive regeneration of the Whitgift Centre site.</p>
<p>The proposals reflect URW’s commitment to creating a more vibrant, accessible and confident town centre, with design changes that the public will begin to see and experience as the project progresses.</p>
<p>Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield has submitted a planning application to Croydon Council for a proposed package of external improvements to Centrale Shopping Centre, marking another milestone in the ongoing regeneration of Croydon town centre.</p>
<p>The proposals introduce a new architectural approach to Centrale’s two main entrances on North End, featuring new glazing, higher quality materials and integrated lighting to create a brighter, clearer and more welcoming environment. The designs draw inspiration from Croydon’s local character and heritage and include measures to create better accessibility and enhance wayfinding. A major element of the plan is the reduction of dark recessed areas along North End, improving sightlines and enabling more active, useable shopfronts on one of the town centre’s busiest pedestrian streets.</p>
<p>The works are the first phase of an aspired wider programme of improvements, and Centrale will remain open for trading throughout. Creating a more welcoming street front / facade will complement the recently launched Allders parade, in addition to Croydon Council’s anticipated upgrades to North End. All of this will enhance the attractiveness of central Croydon in parallel with the comprehensive regeneration of the Whitgift Centre site.</p>
<p>The proposals reflect URW’s commitment to creating a more vibrant, accessible and confident town centre, with design changes that the public will begin to see and experience as the project progresses.</p>
<p>South Entrance Proposed shopfronts
Colonade Side View

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