Westfield sends out 150,000 newsletters to attract support for shopping centre plan
WESTFIELD has delivered more than 150,000 newsletters to homes across Croydon in a bid to win support for its plans to redevelop the Whitgift Centre.
The shopping centre chain, currently locked in a battle against Centrale's owner Hammerson to develop the site, carried out the leaflet drop at the weekend ahead of a public consultation exercise that started yesterday (Thursday) and runs through to Sunday.
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An image of how Westfield sees its new Whitgift Centre looking IACR20120704-4
The newsletter contains the first computer generated image of Westfield's plans.
It shows, from left to right, the existing Marks & Spencer store, which is not part of the redevelopment, a new retail mall, the cinema and leisure complex next to the improved link between North End and Wellesley Road and a second retail arcade.
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In the background, fronting Wellesley Road, are four new residential towers.
The proposals have the backing of the Whitgift Foundation, which owns the freehold on the land. They include providing 1.5 million sq ft of retail space featuring a major department store and the family leisure area which, in addition to the cinemas, will include a bowling alley and restaurants.
The four residential towers would provide between 400 and 600 homes with a garden area and roof terrace being provided for residents at the rear of the new homes.
There will also be improvements to the public realm and better parking facilities for shoppers.
Westfield says the development will create 5,000 permanent local job opportunities for both full and part-time workers.
In the newsletter, Westfield tells residents: "We were chosen, not just because we promised a great future for Croydon but because we also have a proven track record of delivering what we promise.
"Our plans will bring an outstanding shopping, leisure and residential development to Croydon and will kick start the wider regeneration of the town."
John Burton, Westfield's director of development, added this week: "Together with the Whitgift Foundation, our plans are to bring a world-class centre to Croydon, which deserves a retail solution that meets the needs of its local residents and businesses without compromising on quality or style."
The consultation is being held at the entrance to the Whitgift Centre, in North End, today between 11am and 4pm; tomorrow (Saturday) between 10am and 4pm and on Sunday from noon to 4pm.
Comments
by DAM2903
Friday, July 06 2012, 8:12PM
“I think it would be a great idea, unfortunately most of he scum in Croydon don't deserve it !”
by DianaFrance
Friday, July 06 2012, 4:19PM
“Further details are available at the dedicated web site: http://tinyurl.com/7jt8f2e and there is also a questionnaire. Whether they take any notice is unknown, but I emphasised that Bluewater is nearby, already contains John Lewis and provides free parking.
I was interested by the plans to move the George Street tram stop and to create a route ( presumably pedestrian and closed outside business hours) right through the site to improve transit through the town centre. Worth saving the web site for future reference, to see whether the final development bears any resemblance to this publicity.”
by The3rd
Friday, July 06 2012, 1:25PM
“I took a look yesterday. The plans look good and very slick.
They are using the same space as the Whitgift, so I can't see how this new shopping centre will be any bigger. I didnt take a look inside the little hut as it was too busy. Perhaps they will build upwards?
If things go to plan they hope to have the new Westfield completed by 2018.
Diane - the current occupants of the office blocks are the home office. They can work on the street for all I care. But knowing public workers they will take 4 years paid holiday whilst their buildings are being knocked down and raised again.”
by DianaFrance
Friday, July 06 2012, 10:07AM
“I'd like to know their plans for the office blocks and how the companies and departments which currently occupy them will be affected. I have vivid memories of what happened to the adjoining area of Croydon when the Gas Board and others vacated their offices, and fears for what will happen when Nestle go. These moves decimated the footfall in Croydon shops, and the people who work in the various office blocks must account for a large proportion of Croydon's shoppers and lunchtime customers to food outlets. This means everything will get much, much worse before it starts to get better, if it ever does.”
by swsquires1
Friday, July 06 2012, 9:34AM
“Has anyone attended the consultation? If so, are you able to offer any useful feedback or insights as to their plans. I will try to go on the weekend, weather permitting.”