A discount outlet store proposed for the former Allders site has no place in the £1bn redevelopment of the town centre, Westfield's director of development has said.

Croydon Village Outlet and site landlords Minerva are among 200 freeholders and leaseholders potentially affected by the £1bn regeneration plans, that will receive requisition letters this week.

The letters will enable the joint venture between Westfield and Hammerson, known as The Croydon Partnership, and Croydon Council to gather information about land ownership and business interests.

The developers want to buy a number of retail units for the development to go ahead.

They are looking to find out if any potential compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) - where businesses are forced to sell - will be required.

Last week Marco Cash, the chief executive of Croydon Village Outlet, said he planned to occupy the former Allders site for at least 150 years.

But John Burton, director of development for Westfield said on Monday, The Croydon Partnership's planning application, which is due to be considered by committee in the autumn, did not accommodate the new department store.

He said: "What people in Croydon have asked for is something that is completely game changing and they are very clear what they want.

 

"It is hard to imagine at this stage that [Croydon Village Outlet] fits the bill."

Mr Burton said it was good the new store would boost Croydon's economy and create 650 jobs on an interim basis, but rebuffed Mr Cash's claim his store should be an anchor in the redevelopment.

He added: "Our plans don't include it - we would have to redesign the scheme to accommodate it."

Mike Kiely, Croydon Council's head of planning said the council would be prepared to CPO the Allders site if necessary - forcing Croydon Village Outlet out.

The Croydon Partnership said efforts would be made to help businesses that want to remain in the town centre to come up with long and short term solutions ahead of the work which would start late 2015 if planning was approved.

A spokesman said: "It is our priority to ensure all businesses involved are consulted.

"While there is strong local support for the development, we are sympathetic to the impact our proposals will have on some local businesses and we will be working closely with each on a one-to-one basis."

A spokesman for Croydon Council added: "We understand the impact the proposals may have on businesses and we are in the process of making contact with all those potentially affected."

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