11 empty units in Croydon’s Centrale including former McDonald’s

Your Local Guardian took a trip to Centrale Shopping Centre and The Whitgift Centre to see how many units were currently vacant.

From the North End entrance into Centrale to the top floor, we counted 11 storefronts either boarded up, permanently closed, or just empty with just a few leaflets scattered around.

On the ground floor was a fenced-up unit which used to be a McDonald’s, and opposite it stood an untitled, bare store.

(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) A large section of the shopping centre was fenced off on the first floor, where three empty units stood, all of which showing no indication of what they were before.

(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) Just a few steps later stood an empty store covered with pieces from the Croydon Art Collection next to the outdoor clothing store Trespass.

(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) However, the Trespass store is set to become an empty unit as the store was plastered with “Closing down” and “Everything must go” posters.

As we continued roaming across the centre, we counted three more shops that were completely empty and boarded up with “clearance” and “everything must go” signs still against the windows.

One unit was dark and empty with shutters over it.

Opposite Pinball Republic – which has been closed for refurbishment – was one more untitled empty unit.

The stores counted did not include any from the Whitgift Centre.

Despite the many empty units, Centrale Shopping Centre remains home to a variety of popular stores such as Superdrug, the budget-friendly One Beyond, House of Fraser, Cafe Giardino, and Indian restaurant Zabadarst.

(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) The department store has a great view of Croydon and has pop-up units, including the popular Costa del Croydon in the summer and Santa’s Grotto during Christmas.

Centrale also has a lot of sofas scattered around, allowing shoppers and visitors to relax in the department store.

Centrale is conveniently located near public transport with East and West Croydon stations being a few minutes away.

Overall, despite several empty stores, Centrale Shopping Centre still provides a welcoming atmosphere with a variety of shops to explore.

(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand)

Empty shops and retail spaces for sale have become a common sight in south London, with the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis causing many businesses to close.

This includes the popular Wilko store which went bust in 2023, as well as about 300 Boots store closing all over the country.

Online shopping has also reduced the number of people visiting local shops, and high rents and business rates make it hard for small businesses to stay open on London’s high streets.

Centrale Shopping Centre was approached for a comment, but we didn’t hear back.