After standing empty for more than three years, there is still uncertainty about when Croydon’s iconic Allders building will be brought back into use.

The building which was previously used as Croydon Village Outlet is set to host a new immersive theatre experience.

In July it was announced the building would be taken over by an immersive experience called LOST.

The project was headed up by the creator of Secret Cinema Fabian Riggal.

Initially, it was thought this would open in the autumn but halfway through November, there has been no start date announced.

Croydon’s mayor Jason Perry said it is now likely to begin early next year instead.

He said: “I think there has been a delay [from] the partners so we are looking at early next year now.”

In 2019, the building was taken over by Croydon Council. One morning, workers at what was the Croydon Village Outlet turned up to work to find the locks changed with no warning.

The building is still owned by the council but managed by the Croydon Partnership, the joint venture which is expected to redevelop the town centre – It combines Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and Hammerson.

It is understood the partnership is working on a ‘masterplan’ for Croydon.

It is still not clear when this will be completed or when an updated planning application will be submitted.

The company has moved away from building a huge £1.5 billion super-mall. 

Fewer shops, more restaurants and a hotel were announced as possible options in 2019, but firm plans are yet to be released.

Mayor Perry said he has recently met with the Croydon Partnership and is hopeful more plans will be coming forward soon.

He said: “They are looking at office or educational use in other buildings and trying to reactivate different elements of the Whitgift centre which should bring footfall back to the town centre.

“They are bringing in master planners for the future of the town centre. I believe there will be a unit in the Whitgift where you can go down and speak to people about the plans.”