Croydon could become home to a "mini Whitehall" with more Government departments moving to the town, it has been announced today.

The Government is considering relocating several of its offices to the town centre and creating a ‘hub’ with up to 10 local and central government services based on the same site.

Sites under consideration for the mini Whitehall include Ruskin Square and West Croydon Interchange.

The council will now be given funding and training from the Government Property Unit and Local Government Association to carry out a feasibility study.

This will assess the benefits and pitfalls of moving the civil servants already working in Croydon – for the Home Office and the Land Registry – into modern purpose built offices as part of the regeneration of the town centre.

It comes after the news that Croydon has been chosen as one of 20 local authorities across the country to become part of the government’s One Public Estate programme, a property sharing scheme between central and local government.

Croydon Council said if the hub goes ahead it will create significant economic growth and generate income from moving the existing civil service departments into fit for purpose, modern and efficient buildings.

And it believes alongside Westfield/Hammerson partnership’s plans to redevelop the Whitgift Centre, the proposed site would provide another boost to the regeneration of the town centre.

Cabinet member for economic development Councillor Toni Letts said: “We are on the brink of seeing massive regeneration in Croydon.

“We have future growth plans of Olympic-sized proportions, which will see the creation of 16,500 more jobs, the building of 9,500 new homes, and the redevelopment of our retail centre by Westfield and Hammerson.

“These are really exciting times and these ambitious proposals for a civil service hub will only enhance Croydon’s reputation as a great place to work, live and visit.”