Clark approves CPO for Croydon town centre redevelopment

The decision follows a six week inquiry held in February and March this year, following which the planning inspector recommended the approval of the CPO. The CPO authorises Croydon Council to compulsorily purchase approximately seven hectares of land in Croydon town centre.

Clark agreed with the inspector "that the proposed purpose of the Order will significantly contribute to the achievement of the promotion or improvement of the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the area."

Clark went on to say that "no realistic alternatives exist in terms of achieving the purpose of the proposal. Having had regard to these and to all other matters, the secretary of state has concluded that there is a compelling case in the public interest for confirming the Order."

Developers Westfield and Hammerson's proposals received planning permission last February. The £1 billion plus mixed-use scheme includes the conversion of the existing shopping centre into a 1.5 million square foot retail and leisure destination, with between 400 and 600 new homes, and is expected to create 5,000 permanent jobs.

The scheme will also involve improvements to existing public areas adjacent to the development such as Poplar Walk, North End, Wellesley Road and George Street together with new road junctions at Wellesley Road and Park Lane.

Croydon councillor Tony Newman said: "This is a day of celebration for Croydon residents and an important milestone for them. Today’s decision is a monumental step forward for Croydon, and a vitally important stage in our town’s transformation into a modern, European city."

"The redevelopment of the 1960s Whitgift Centre will reposition Croydon as the best place to shop, live and work in South London and the wider region in the 21st century," said Newman. "As well as a premier retail destination, this will deliver thousands of new jobs for our residents and new affordable homes. We are absolutely delighted with today’s decision, and that we can now move forward with the Westfield-Hammerson development."

Planning expert Richard Ford of Pinsent Masons, the law firm behind Out-Law.com, which advised on the promotion of the compulsory purchase order, said: "The confirmation of the CPO represents another milestone in the much needed redevelopment of the Whitgift Centre, allowing the land assembly process to be completed and the scheme implemented. Croydon is at the heart of South London's growth agenda and is a key Opportunity Area for London; this scheme will attract further significant investment into the area."