The redevelopment scheme of Croydon’s Whitgift shopping centre will begin in 2016 according to developer Hammerson (it had been thought it would start in 2015).



Hammerson plans to start three major schemes before 2017 with a combined construction cost of around £1.5bn, including a £1bn Brent Cross redevelopment in North West London, the £800m Bishopsgate Goodsyard scheme near the City.



The huge Croydon shopping centre development is a joint venture with Westfield, which will see the redevelopment and consolation of Croydon’s current shopping centres (Whitgift and Centrale) into one massive mixed-use town scheme with around 2m sq ft of retail, leisure and residential and which will also have the potential for hotels and offices.



It’s thought the £1 billion scheme, which will represent a huge investment for the construction industry and promises to increase the demand for construction jobs and construction supplies further, will bring with it an improved retail offer, 5,000 new jobs, between 400 and 600 new homes, and improved pedestrian routes.



Jo Negrini, Executive Director Development and Environment at London Borough of Croydon said the benefits of the scheme were already being felt as investment interest grew among other developers which suggests this area could provide a number of opportunities for the full spectrum of construction firms operating in the area.