Westfield has confirmed that it remains committed to the hotly-contested regeneration of the Whitgift shopping centre in Croydon.
In a statement today, Michael Gutman, managing director for Westfield Europe and New Markets, said: “Westfield remains determined to work with the owners and local authorities to help create a town centre that the people of Croydon and surrounds can be truly proud. We have the skills, the funding, the resources and the track record to make this project a success.
“We recognise Croydon as an ideal candidate for regeneration and, through our binding agreement with the Whitgift Foundation, we are committed to taking this important project forward.”
The statement comes after Royal London Asset Management and Irish Bank Resolution Corporation, which together own 75% of the Whitgift centre’s long leasehold, this week selected Hammerson to carry out the management and redevelopment of the 633,400 sq ft mall.
Last November, the Whitgift Foundation, which owns the mall freehold, agreed an exclusive agreement with Westfield to explore options to redevelop the Whitgift centre.
annabel.dixon@estatesgazette.com
