Restaurant overhaul for Croydon’s Centrale

The £50m overhaul by Hammerson will reconfigure around 142,000 square feet of space inside the centre, turning it into more of a family and evening-focused leisure quarter with a cinema as well as space for eight restaurants. The 11-screen cinema will be run under the Showcase Cinema de Lux format by US-based National Amusements. There will also be space for two flagship retail units.

Hammerson bought the centre last March and has waited until now to secure permission for its plans from Croydon Council. Its UK retail managing director Lawrence Hutchings said: “I am delighted with the positive decision from the council. Hammerson has worked hard over the past year to develop a scheme which will significantly enhance Croydon’s evening economy and create a new leisure destination for the town.”

Work on the new quarter will start next year, with opening slated for autumn 2014.