After weeks of uncertainty for traders at Croydon Village Outlet, some businesses have now moved to the Whitgift Centre.

In the early hours of July 16 Croydon Council took possession of the former Allders building.

Shop owners were left in the dark about whether they would be able to trade again or even when they could access their stock and safes.

The council has compulsory purchased the site which is due to be demolished to make way for the £1.4 billion Westfield and Hammerson development, also on the Whitgift shopping centre site.

But now, more than three weeks on, businesses have begun relocating to the nieghbouring Whitgift Centre.

So far, six businesses have relocated, while Bellamy’s Ice Cream has taken a kiosk in Centrale.

The six businesses that have moved are:

Klass

Fashion Club

Flute and Harris

Playnation/Heart of Gaming

South Bank Travel

Winborn and Gajjar

And another 11 business have  agreed to move with licences being completed.

The council said it is in discussion with six other concessions to find a suitable relocation.

Why did it take so long?

Since the council took possession of the building the Croydon Partnership, which combines Westfield and Hammerson, says it has been carrying out health and safety surveys.

These surveys found a range of health and safety issues which need more examination.

So the building will definitely remain closed for a bit longer while it is decided what work needs to take place to make sure the building is safe.

Councillor Paul Scott, cabinet lead for planning and regeneration, said: “We thank the businesses in the former Allders building for their patience during what we know will have been a challenging and frustrating time.

“It’s really good to see discussions between us, the Croydon Partnership and the traders have been productive and we’re seeing businesses reopen in the Whitgift Centre.

“The council and the Croydon Partnership have been working hard to support those affected by the closure of the store. We remain in contact with other traders to discuss relocation and the support that has been offered remains for those who wish to take it.”

Following the closure Croydon Council said that the possession of the outlet completes the compulsory purchase order (CPO) process that was approved by the council in 2014.

A spokesperson for the Croydon Partnership said:  “Our first priority is to ensure the future safety of the traders and shoppers.

"Commissioning these additional surveys are a necessary part of this process.

"We are working closely with all traders to discuss opportunities to relocate to the Whitgift Centre to ensure they continue trading in Croydon and we appreciate their cooperation and patience while these important surveys take place.”