John Lewis will open a 165,000 sq ft department store to anchor the £1.4bn redevelopment of Croydon town centre.

The new department store, over four floors, will incorporate a Waitrose supermarket – bringing John Lewis and its sister company together under one roof.

It endeavours to be a “showcase” for the two brands, providing “the most contemporary shopping experience” with the “latest concepts and services”.

Croydon’s revamped retail offer – The Croydon Partnership – is a joint venture between shopping centre giants Westfield and Hammerson.

It will feature more than 300 shops, including a new M&S, as well as a cinema and restaurants.

John Lewis customer director Craig Inglis said: “We are delighted to be opening a new full-line department store in the newly developed centre, offering the services and products for which we are well known.

“This exciting new shop will showcase our latest thinking in shop design, creating a modern space for shoppers with customer experience at its heart.”