Developer Hammerson has announced that work on the £1bn Whitgift shopping centre redevelopment project in Croydon, London is now pushed back to 2017.

The Hammerson-Westfield JV had earlier planned to start work at the end of this year. This is the second time that the project has been delayed.

In a statement, the company said: “Given the extended planning process and discussions with a number of potential anchor tenants, the scheme timetable has been revised.

“Works are now expected to start in 2017 with potential completion in 2020/21.”

The new project will include redevelopment and integration of Croydon’s existing shopping centres, namely the Whitgift centre and Centrale, to create a mixed-use town centre.

The 2 million sq ft town center will feature retail, leisure and residential space, along with space for hotels and offices.