Croydon's Purley Cross would be improved if Westfield wins Whitgift and Hammerson loses. (Number 1 of a series)

Link to 'Coulsdon and Purley Advertiser' Advertiser

"Retail giant Westfield will stump up funds to sort out 'nightmare' junction Purley Cross, if its bid to redevelop the Whitgift Centre [competing with Brent Cross's Hammerson] is successful.

"In a drive to pull in wealthy punters from across Surrey by improving road access, the conglomerate has offered to team up with Transport for London (TfL) to end motorists' woes, and improve the chronically congested intersection.

"Croydon's London Assembly member Steve O'Connell said:

"We want people coming out from places like Reigate and Dorking and coming to Croydon to shop. But we don't want people to have issues once they hit Purley."

Purley Cross rush hour

Mr O'Connell confirmed that Westfield's nemesis, Hammerson, which owns Centrale and is also bidding for the Whitgift, is also committed to funding improvements, if it wins the bid.