This CGI image shows how the face of Croydon would be changed with the creation of a Westfield shopping centre.

The Australian retail giants will publicly unveil plans for its £1bn project to redevelop the Whitgift Centre on Thursday, July 5.

During a four-day consultation, details of the development, including the layout of 1.5m sq ft of retail space, a cinema, bowling alley and restaurants, the creation of 5,000 jobs and between 400 and 600 new homes, will be on show.

The right to develop the site is disputed by Westfield, who have support of landowners The Whitgift Foundation, and Hammerson, the chosen bidders by the majority leaseholders.

John Burton, Westfield’s director of development, said: "Since 2008 we have successfully, and swiftly, created two of Europe’s largest shopping centres that have regenerated Stratford and Shepherd’s Bush and delivered thousands of local jobs during one of the most difficult economic environments in a generation.

"Together with The Whitgift Foundation, our plans are to bring a world class centre to Croydon, which deserves a retail solution that meets the needs of its local residents and businesses without compromising on quality or style.

"Our plans will bring an outstanding shopping, leisure and residential development to Croydon and will kick start the wider regeneration of the town."

The consultation will take place in North End adjacent to the Whitgift Centre on Thursday and Friday July 5 and 6 from 11am to 4pm, Saturday from 10am to 4pm and Sunday from noon to 4pm.

Full plans are expected to be submitted to the council following this consultation.