The £1bn redevelopment of Croydon town centre will be at risk if a big department store does not sign up, developers have admitted.

John Burton, Westfield director, admitted a non-negotiable condition of an agreement with the Whitgift Foundation, freeholder of the Whitgift Centre, stipulated the need for a major anchor tenant.

The nine other conditions of the deal struck between the foundation and the Croydon Partnership, comprised of Westfield and co-developer Hammerson, could be waived. 

Mr Burton said: "Yes, under the agreement we have with the Foundation we need to deliver that anchor tenant.

"I say there is a reasonable prospect of delivering that anchor."

The developers have reached a provisional agreement with John Lewis about the retailer opening a department store in development, although negotiations are continuing.