Politicians, business leaders and Government officers are all set to take centre stage at the fifth Develop Croydon Conference today at The Fairfield Halls.

Top of the agenda will be progress by retail and leisure giants Westfield and Hammerson on their plans to redevelop the town centre.

Among the other major developments preparing to take shape in the town centre is Ruskin Square, Stanhope and Schroders’ gateway site adjacent to East Croydon station, where work is already underway on the first phase of 161 new homes while planning permission has been granted for a speculative 10-storey office and retail scheme.

Debates will also be held on how to deliver jobs to the community, promote skills and make Croydon a desirable destination for businesses and people looking to make a home in South London.

The chief executive of Gatwick Airport Stewart Wingate is also expected to speak about the potential advantages should the site win the right to build an additional runway.