The historic Allders department store building in Croydon is set for a revamp after developer and operator Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) has been granted planning permission.
The plans, approved by Croydon Council, include new shops and food outlets as part of a phased scheme to rejuvenate the much-loved local landmark.
Allders was founded in 1862 and closed in 2013 after it fell into administration, but the building remains an important part of the town’s heritage.
It will get a refurbished frontage, with minimal alterations and the redevelopment will introduce five retail units, ranging from 450 sq ft to 1,300 sq ft, alongside two food and beverage outlets, each occupying 450 sq ft. This first phase marks the beginning of a wider initiative to bring new life to the building.
“This is the first step of many in our plan to revive this much-loved Croydon landmark, bringing Allders back into use as a space the community can enjoy, while preserving its heritage,” said Penny Cameron, head of UK development at URW. “We look forward to working with the council to deliver these new shops, services, and food outlets for Croydon.”
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Croydon’s retail scene has faced many blows over the past decade. Back in 2013 Westfield and fellow property developer Hammerson entered a joint venture for the £1.4bn redevelopment of the Whitgift Centre and Centrale shopping centre.
The project, which looked to transform the site into a major shopping and leisure destination, faced severe delays, changes in plans exacerbated by the pandemic, and financial hurdles.
Last year URW acquired the remaining 50% stake of the Croydon shopping centre redevelopment from Hammerson, putting an end to the failed deal.
Mayor of Croydon Jason Perry said: “We know how much the landmark Allders building means to our residents and businesses and these plans will help to restore a sense of place and pride in our historic town centre.”
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