The i's have been dotted and the t's crossed, Croydon is officially getting a Westfield.

If this sounds like deja vu then you are probably not alone.

In November, Croydon Council unanimously voted in favour of the £1.4billion redevelopment that will see the Whitgift Shopping Centre turned into Westfield.

But one last thing was still needed before development could officially begin. That was the approval of London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Yesterday that approval was granted.

Mr Khan said this "marks a crucial step forward in the regeneration of Croydon town centre.

"This development will play a key role in unlocking the borough’s potential and is set to deliver huge economic benefits to residents and businesses in the borough.

"As well as the creation of 7,000 jobs and the delivery of almost 1,000 new homes, it will also attract many visitors to its brand-new leisure facilities and public spaces.

"I’m confident the benefits of this scheme will be felt for generations to come.”

More than half-a-million square metres of shops and restaurants will be built, alongside space for future student accommodation or a hotel as part of the development.

Westfield UK/Europe’s Head of Development, John Burton OBE, said the announce,net was a good way to kick off 2018.

"The endorsement from the mayor of London represents a great start to the year for the project and for Croydon," he said.

"The London Borough of Croydon responded positively to our revised outline planning application, and we’re pleased that this has now been approved by the mayor.

"Our plans will help establish Croydon as south London’s best retail, dining and leisure destination and deliver new homes and 7,000 jobs.”

Works on the shopping centre will begin later this year.