originally this was to be a new Allders store, then owned by Minerva, but John Lewis was then lined up to anchor the site. On 5 May 2006 John Lewis announced that no development scheme in Croydon met their requirements and that they were not in negotiations with Minerva. This has boosted the chances of the newco 'Allders (Croydon) Ltd' being able to secure anchor status in the new development if it is pursued. Nestlé, whose UK headquarters in the Nestlé Tower form part of the site, plan to take part of the office accommodation. The development will create a new 'piazza' on Croydon High Street. There are proposals to alter Queen's Gardens with updated planting, an ice rink, a performance space and an entrance into Park Place. Viability The overall viability of the Minerva plans (1.08 million sq.ft. shopping centre) was thrown into doubt following the building of the 1.615 million sq.ft. Westfield London shopping centre development in west London (White City) which opened in October 2008 and the existing shopping development at Bluewater to the south-east of London. On completion of the centre, Croydon will have approximately . of space in its three shopping centres. On 19 March Minerva announced that their deal with Lend Lease had collapsed. Lend Lease were responsible for negotiations with John Lewis. In May 2008, Croydon Council announced that they did not expect works to start until late 2009, a further delay of some 18 months. A revised planning application was not expected to be tabled until late 2008. Minerva meanwhile was facing speculation of a takeover bid by the Dubai-based Limitless. References External links Minerva plc description of Park Place Park Place information from Croydon Council Park Place peerages row in the Croydon Guardian Shopping centres in the London Borough of Croydon Croydon 2020 Proposed buildings and structures in London