Locals in Croydon are expressing discontent with the Whitgift Centre, featured in a Taylor Swift music video, calling it a disgrace due to its dilapidation and lack of operational shops.
The article covers local sentiments regarding the Whitgift Centre in Croydon, which recently gained attention after being featured in Taylor Swift's music video for her single 'Opalite.' Many Croydon residents have criticized the shopping centre for its neglect and the wasteland-like state it has fallen into, with little remaining retail activity. The centre was once a bustling retail hub but has failed to attract business over the years, leading to its current status as a 'ghost mall.'
Residents have openly expressed their frustrations, stating that the condition of the Whitgift Centre is an embarrassment to the community. Shoppers report that they now prefer other locations due to the high number of closed shops and general rundown appearance of the mall. During a visit by a Mirror journalist, the centre appeared largely deserted, with few customers wandering its halls. People in the area feel let down by the local authorities' inability to revitalize the shopping destination after multiple failed redevelopment plans, including an ambitious proposal to transform it into a Westfield.
The situation highlights broader issues regarding urban decay and the challenges faced by towns attempting to retain their retail appeal amidst the rise of online shopping and changing consumer habits. The residents' calls for the Whitgift Centre to be demolished underscore their desire for a more vibrant community space rather than a neglected shopping centre that detracts from the local area’s image.
