Exciting New Changes Coming to Croydon’s Allders Building

Croydon is buzzing with some fresh news! The historic Allders building, which has been empty for more than three years, is about to get a new lease on life. Croydon Council has announced plans to fill the space with pop-up shops and food outlets, which will surely bring some excitement back to the area.

The plans from Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, the company that owns the building, aim to replace the current hoardings with five retail spaces and two food and beverage units right on the ground floor. This move is part of a larger effort to breathe some new life into Croydon’s high street.

Mayor Jason Perry is thrilled about the development, describing it as a way to create a vibrant atmosphere in the town center. He believes that these changes could help restore pride within the community. According to Perry, the transformation is set to begin early next year, giving local businesses a fantastic opportunity to thrive.

This news comes after years of attempts to revitalize the Allders building, which used to be a bustling department store before it closed in 2013. Previously discussed ideas, like turning it into a Secret Cinema, fell through when the company involved went out of business.

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among Croydonians. Some are excited about new shops and experiences coming to the high street, especially after noting the current state of the area. Others, however, worry that the new pop-up shops may not bring the quality or variety that the town really needs.

On social media platforms like Nextdoor, users have expressed their excitement as well as their concerns. While some welcome the chance for new businesses, others feel there are already too many similar shops on the high street and hope for more diverse offerings. This reflects a widespread desire for a more vibrant shopping scene in Croydon.

With these plans moving forward, residents are curious to see what happens next. The hope is for a revitalized Allders that not only attracts locals but also visitors to the area, contributing to Croydon’s overall growth.