Sunday Telegraph: "Battle for Croydon's Whitgift between Westfield and Hammerson could end with compulsory purchase order"

Link to Daily Telegraph

"The south London town has become an unlikely battleground for two of the world’s biggest property developers, because its transport links and proximity to central London mean it is seen as an ideal location for the UK’s next super-mall. [Our comment: contrast that with Brent Cross!]

In an interview with The Sunday Telegraph, Westfield’s director of development, John Burton, said:

"[We are] ready to spend £1bn on the [Whitgift centre] site. We have the balance sheet, the people, and the ideas. I hope reality prevails.” 

"However, Hammerson claims it has a 'unique ability' to redevelop Croydon, because of its ownership of the neighbouring Centrale centre, where it is planning a cinema-led ­leisure development. 

"Lawrence Hutchings, its managing director for UK retail, said:

“Hammerson already has an established presence in Croy­don through ownership of Centrale, and is committed to the revival of the town centre. We were selected by [Whitgift majority leaseholders] RLAM and IBRC as their preferred development partner, in an open and transparent contest.”