The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has approved plans for a £1.4 billion town centre regeneration scheme in Croydon.

The Whitgift shopping centre is to be redeveloped into a new mixed-use scheme featuring residential, commercial and leisure space.

The scheme is being led by the Croydon Partnership, a joint venture between Westfield and Hammerson. Features include nearly 1,000 new homes (20% of which to be made 'affordable'), more than 500,000 sq m of new shops/restaurants along with leisure facilities, rejuvenated public spaces and space for future student accommodation/a hotel.

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Mayor Khan said: "Today marks a crucial step forward in the regeneration of Croydon town centre.

"This development will play a key role in unlocking the borough's potential and is set to deliver huge economic benefits to residents and businesses in the borough. As well as the creation of 7,000 jobs and the delivery of almost 1,000 new homes, it will also attract many visitors to its brand-new leisure facilities and public spaces. I'm confident the benefits of this scheme will be felt for generations to come."

Westfield UK/Europe's Head of Development, John Burton OBE, said: "The endorsement from the Mayor of London represents a great start to the year for the project and for Croydon. The London Borough of Croydon responded positively to our revised outline planning application, and we're pleased that this has now been approved by the Mayor. Our plans will help establish Croydon as South London's best retail, dining and leisure destination and deliver new homes and 7,000 jobs."

(LM)