Hammerson plans redevelopment of Croydon’s Centrale
Hammerson is planning to redevelop the Centrale shopping centre in Croydon.
The property developer has submitted a detailed planning application for the 696,400 ft² scheme which is currently home to 80 retail units including department store anchors Debenhams and House of Fraser.
The proposals, designed by Leslie Jones Architecture, include redesigning a large section of the internal retail space and creating a family-friendly leisure quarter.
Two flagship retails units are being created for fashion retailers alongside new restaurants to meet demand for space from popular dining brands. Hammerson is currently in discussions with operators to bring a multi-screen cinema to the centre and as well as a new cinema.
Hammerson said the redevelopment will enhance the visibility of shop frontages within the centre, and improve connectivity with neighbouring parts of the town through a new glazed roof link over Drummond Road. Wider public realm improvement works also part of future plans.
Lawrence Hutchings, Hammerson managing director UK Retail commented: “There has been significant underinvestment in Croydon’s retail core for some time with major brands missing from the town’s retail mix.
“Croydon has one of the highest catchment spends in the UK and our proposals will deliver well designed space creating a new prime pitch for the town.”
Subject to the planning process, work could commence in early 2013 with the new leisure and restaurant quarter open in Autumn 2014.
