Work on Park Place delayed (From Croydon Guardian)

Work on Park Place delayed

3:21pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

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Croydon Council has confirmed work on Croydon's answer to Bluewater shopping centre will not begin until late 2009.

The original works timetable for Park Place set a start date for spring this year, with completion expected in 2012.

The council said it was not expected to receive a new planning application from developer Minerva until October or November this year.

It is understood a new plan is being drafted in a last ditch attempt to lure John Lewis to Croydon. It follows a turbulent time for Minerva and the Park Place scheme.

It recently parted company with another firm it called in to lure the department store in and there have been a series of setbacks for the £500m plan.

At last week's full council meeting Councillor Chris Wright said: "Work is currently under way to redesign the scheme to take into account the requirements of the preferred anchor store for the scheme.

"Minerva is currently negotiating with the preferred store, with the expectation of signing within the next few months.

"It would be premature for me to suggest a completion date for this scheme now, although I can say I think it unlikely demolition work will start prior to the end of 2009."

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