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.
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