About
Find out more about The Croydon Project and URW.
The Croydon Project is the mixed-use regeneration of Croydon town centre to restore it as the economic and creative capital of South London.
The Project is led by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield as the master developer working closely with the Executive Mayor of Croydon, Croydon Council, John Whitgift Foundation and other local land owners to facilitate the transformation of the North End Quarter – the location of the Whitgift Centre, Centrale and Allders.
Building on Croydon’s legacy
When the Whitgift Centre opened it embodied Croydon’s confidence and metropolitan ambition. It was one of the largest shopping centres in Europe, modern and unapologetically forward-looking. Today, that same spirit of ambition and entrepreneurship remains, but regeneration requires a different approach to what is here now.
Our ambition is to be a catalyst for a modern, mixed use town centre with new homes, generous public spaces and a richer mix of shops, restaurants and leisure that offers twenty-four hour activity, safety and enjoyment.
Progress is already visible
New shops have opened at Allders Parade and refurbishment of other shops along North End will follow soon. A planning application for improvements to Centrale has been submitted in February 2026 and the target is to submit a planning application for the Whitgift and Allders masterplan within the year.
Previous public consultation has demonstrated strong support, with 85% of respondents backing some or all elements of the plans, providing a clear mandate to move into the next stages of delivery. Through our NextGen Panel and public consultations we will continue to listen and work with the community and stakeholders through every step of the project.
The Croydon Project is currently estimated to add 1,500 new jobs, and 10,000 additional construction job years over the course of its delivery and when complete. Our early estimates show £160m of annual economic benefit to the area, a total of £1.2bn output by 2045 for the Croydon area.
The Croydon Project will deliver this through an incremental phased programme of retrofit and new build projects, creating places to live, work and play. As key planning stages are reached, momentum will build and the pace of change will accelerate, rebuilding confidence in the town centre.
The Site
A significant portion of this area is the Whitgift Centre, Allders, Centrale and adjoining properties, much of which is the freehold of the John Whitgift Foundation.
Our vision for The Croydon Project is a comprehensive approach which will ensure a cohesive vision and a well-integrated development that benefits the whole community.
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) is the major landowner within the North End Quarter and is uniquely positioned to drive the transformation forward.
URW’s commitment to Croydon, coupled with its expertise in developing and managing successful mixed-use destinations, provides a strong foundation for the successful implementation of the masterplan. These commitments are enhanced by the Group’s Better Places plan, which strives to make a positive environmental, social and economic impact on the cities and communities where URW operates.
The Group operates 67 shopping centres in 11 countries, including 39 which carry the Westfield brand. These centres attract over 900 million visits annually and provide a unique platform for retailers and brands to connect with consumers. URW also has a portfolio of high-quality offices, 10 convention and exhibition venues in Paris, and a number of other mixed-use assets which include homes.
