The owners of Westfield have revealed they are reviewing the future of the much anticipated and long-delayed development in Croydon due to Brexit.

Plans for the £1.4 billion shopping centre first surfaced in 2013 and construction has been delayed ever since, with the most recent forecast suggesting work could begin next year.

But the joint venture behind the development has now cast doubt on the situation, citing the current economic and political climate as reasons for review.

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and property company Hammerson: "There are challenges surrounding the UK economic and political outlook and the structural changes facing retail have put some UK retailers under pressure.

"We are reviewing the scheme to ensure it responds to changing retailer requirements and is appropriate for the future.”

As well as more than 300 shops, restaurants and cafes the plans include up to 967 new homes. Traders in the Whitgift Centre have not yet been told when they will have to leave. The whole shopping centre is set to be demolished.

In December, French company Unibail-Rodamco bought Westfield Corporation for £18.5 billion.

Last month Cllr Newman said that he has already met with the new owners adding that the bosses are “committed to investing in Croydon”.

A spokesperson for Croydon Council said: “We remain encouraged by Westfield’s commitment. Despite a fast-changing retail market and economic uncertainty related to Brexit, the council has delivered on finalising the land assembly and final compulsory purchase order process.

"We now look forward to Westfield announcing a start date for next year.”

Sarah Jones, MP for central Croydon, has requested a meeting with the developer to seek assurances construction will go ahead. 

She said: “I have written to the CEO of Unibail-Rodamco Westfield asking for a meeting following today’s news.

"I will be looking for clear reassurances from him but I remain optimistic. I have also raised this with the Government in the House of Commons this afternoon.

“Like all local people I have been disappointed by the delay to this vital project for Croydon but I am confident that when it is complete it will be transformational for our town for years to come.

"With so much development and such exciting times and talented people in Croydon, development of the town centre is the last piece of the puzzle.

“The uncertainty around Brexit is understandably forcing many businesses to review their plans and the future of the high street is uncertain.

"But this is the reality of the Conservative Government's recklessness in threatening a no-deal Brexit and failure to tackle tax-dodging online retailers.

"It is our local economies which are paying the price.”