John Whitgift Foundation has sold its freehold ownership in the area currently known as the Whitgift Centre to The Croydon Project developer, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), to enable it to focus on its core charitable aims of education and care, and to support the ongoing redevelopment of the town centre. URW already holds a long lease of the site.
The transaction simplifies the ownership structure of the site and comprises the Whitgift Centre, Green Park House, as well as those parts of Allders not already owned by URW. The Foundation will receive a consideration totalling £31.5 million to be paid in instalments over five years.
Sale is a ‘significant moment’
Fiona Fletcher-Smith, Chair of the Court of Governors at the John Whitgift Foundation, said: “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 Foundation’s long-term charitable purpose.”
“This is a significant moment for the Foundation. 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. At the same time, we recognise the importance of this site to Croydon’s future. By simplifying ownership and enabling progress on regeneration, we believe this decision supports the long-term vitality of the town as well as the sustainability of the Foundation’s work.
“We are confident that this is the right and responsible course of action, for the Foundation, for those we serve, and for the wider community.”
Focus on education and care
Sixty years ago, the land was home to Trinity School, which then moved to Shirley Park. For many decades, income from the shopping centre site has helped fund bursaries for children to attend the Foundation’s schools who otherwise could not afford to do so. The income also supported the provision of almshouses in the town centre. This will continue following the sale, as the Foundation consolidates its endowment investments.
Roisha Hughes, CEO of the John Whitgift Foundation, 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. Simplifying the land ownership in the town centre will positively facilitate the town centre’s regeneration.
“We are confident that the sale will put the Foundation in a very solid position to deliver its core purpose in the decades ahead. Proceeds from the sale will be invested, and the income that is generated will continue to fund our charitable objectives, principally our bursary programme.”
Adam Smith, Strategic Development Director at URW, said: “URW is pleased to complete this purchase which further simplifies the ownership of the Whitgift Centre and Allders site. 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.
