[3] In 2013, Hammerson and the Westfield Group formed a joint venture to redevelop the shopping mall and combine it with neighbouring Centrale.

[4] After years of delays, work was expected to begin in 2020, although the future of the project was under review in February 2019 citing concerns over Brexit and structural changes on the high street.

The name of the centre comes from John Whitgift, a former archbishop of Canterbury who is buried nearby in Croydon Minster.

The Centre's Land freehold is owned by the Whitgift Foundation, a charity registered in England and Wales.

Construction of the extension was due to start in 2009 and be finished in 2014, as promised by Geddes Architects who were the main contractor.

In mid-2011, two companies were invited to pitch for the redevelopment: Australian-based Westfield Group and UK-French based Hammerson.

[12] Although RLAM/IBRC owned 75% of the leasehold company, no development could take place without the agreement of the freeholder, the Whitgift Foundation.

The joint venture company will purchase a 25% interest in the Whitgift Centre, following completion of Hammerson's conditional acquisition agreement with Royal London.

The mixed use scheme of around 200,000 m2 will include retail, leisure and residential use with the potential for hotels and offices.

[17] The delays and uncertainty regarding the future of Whitgift has led to a reduced footfall and some traders moving out.