The John Whitgift Foundation (JWF) has sold the freehold of the Whitgift Centre to Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), the owner of Westfield shopping centres, in a deal worth £31.5 million. The payment will be made in instalments over five years. The sale includes the Whitgift Centre, Green Park House, and parts of the Allders building not already owned by URW.
Regeneration milestone for Croydon town centre
URW already holds the long lease on the site. The freehold purchase simplifies the ownership structure and is expected to accelerate the long-delayed Croydon Project, a mixed-use regeneration scheme that includes retail, housing, and community spaces in the North End area. Despite public consultations and an agreed masterplan framework, Croydon Council has yet to receive a planning application.
Adam Smith, Strategic Development Director at URW, said: "We are pleased to complete this purchase. It is a positive milestone on the path to the transformation of Croydon town centre in partnership with the Mayor of Croydon, Croydon Council and other stakeholders."
John Whitgift Foundation to focus on charitable aims
The JWF, one of Croydon's largest private property owners, said the sale allows it to concentrate on its charitable mission of education and care. Proceeds will strengthen its finances and support charitable work through investment income. The charity recorded a £2.1 million loss last year, following the closure of Old Palace School and a fall in retail income.
Fiona Fletcher-Smith, Chair of the Court of Governors at the JWF, stated: "The decision to sell this landholding follows careful and sustained scrutiny by the Court over a considerable period. We have tested every aspect of the proposal – strategic, financial and community impact – to ensure it is firmly aligned with the JWF's long-term charitable purpose." She added: "This is a significant moment for the JWF. It enables us to strengthen our financial resilience and focus our resources where they have the greatest impact: on education, care, and supporting those who rely on us most."
Impact on education and community
The Whitgift Centre site was originally home to Trinity School before it moved to Shirley Park 60 years ago. The JWF is expanding the Trinity School campus, making it co-educational and increasing pupil numbers from 1,050 to 1,398 by 2031. Income from the centre has historically funded school bursaries and almshouses, which will continue through endowment investments.
Roisha Hughes, Chief Executive of the JWF, said: "As an education and care charity, it's right that we focus on our schools, almshouses, and care provision. Following URW's offer to buy the land, which they already lease from us, we have carefully considered what is best for the charity and the town." She added: "Simplifying the land ownership in the town centre will positively facilitate the town centre's regeneration."
Council support and wider regeneration
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, commented: "We want to see a town centre that is busy, confident and thriving – one where people want to visit and spend time. The masterplan for North End is an important part of this vision. This freehold agreement simplifies ownership of the site and helps to smooth the pathway for the redevelopment of the Whitgift site." He noted that the council is working on £40 million of projects, including improvements to Dingwall Road, Minster Green, and North End's streetscape, alongside a programme of cultural events.
