Mayor will use all his power to push through Croydon regeneration (From Croydon Guardian)

Mayor will use all his power to push through Croydon regeneration

10:50am Thursday 17th January 2013 in News

The Mayor of London has said he will use all his powers to push through the £1bn regeneration of Croydon town centre announced today.

Mayor Boris Johnson announced at Fairfield Halls this morning that the town centre will be transformed with £1 billion of investment after retail giants Westfield and Hammerson agreed to enter into a 50-50 venture to develop the town.

It is expected that the proposals for Croydon would support thousands of jobs during the construction phase and a further 5,000 long term jobs after completion.

The regeneration is expected to be a massive boost to the local economy as well as attracting thousands of new visitors and transforming the town centre for ever.

The Mayor said he will continue to work closely with Croydon Council on the planning application that will eventually be referred to him for his decision.

It is understood that he will therefore consider using all his planning powers to avoid any unnecessary hold up to the regeneration, including taking over the planning application to determine it himself.

This may result in using some of his compulsory purchase order powers to ensure the regeneration benefits of the scheme are maximised.

The announcement follows the Mayor’s approval yesterday of a new strategic planning framework for Croydon which will help deliver 7,300 homes, revive its high streets and retail centres, increase transport and parking capacity and create new and improved public spaces.