A store which has served as an iconic part of Croydon for nearly 200 years is set to get a complete makeover.

Croydon Council has granted permission for Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield to redevelop the front of the former Allders department store, introducing new food outlets, shops, and community services.

The front of the North End will be refurbished with only a few changes.

The new units are set to include five retail shops ranging from 450 to 1,300 square feet each and two food and beverage units at 450 square feet each.

The plans for the retail units and shops mark the first phase of improvements to rejuvenate the iconic Allders building.

The plans to activate the Allders building follow a programme of recent events and activations taking place in Croydon this summer.

Popular Costa Del Croydon ran in August and transformed the top level of Centrale’s multi-storey car park.

The experience attracted more than 30,000 visitors in August and delivered a range of free and paid-for activities across the summer holidays for families to enjoy a beach experience in the heart of town.

Penny Cameron, Head of Development UK at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: “This is the first step of many in our plan to revive this much-loved Croydon landmark, bringing Allders back into use as a space the community can enjoy, while preserving its heritage.”

"We look forward to working with the Council to deliver these new shops, services, and food outlets for Croydon.”

Jason Perry, Mayor of Croydon, said: “We welcome these plans from URW to revitalise the North End area as part of the wider regeneration of our town centre.

“We know how much the landmark Allders building means to our residents and businesses, and these plans will help to restore a sense of place and pride in our historic town centre.”