UPPER-CRUST, luxury store Harvey Nichols has been put forward as a possible flagship retailer within Westfield/Hammerson's £1 billion Croydon retail development.
However, it still appears John Lewis is in pole position to be the anchor tenant of the scheme - though 'small-fry' Marks and Spencer seem to be out of the running.
Representing the developers' Croydon Partnership at today's High Court judicial review into the plans, Nathalie Lieven QC said she "suspected" it was still the case negotiations were ongoing - particularly with John Lewis.
She outlined why council officers may have withheld information from claimants, saying it may have been because of commercially sensitive negotiations with big stores.
Ms Lieven said the sort of store which could anchor a development this big included Debenhams, House of Fraser, John Lewis and "theoretically" Harvey Nichols.
Marks and Spencer, however, are considered too small.
When asked by the judge Mr Justice Collins whether negotiations had been entered into with John Lewis, she said: "I suspect that is still the case."
If Harvey Nicks, as it is known by many, does come to Croydon it would join its stores in places including Manchester, Edinburgh, Hong Kong, Sydney and the flagship outlet in Knightsbridge, central London.
Known for selling luxury, high-end products - especially the trendiest fashion labels - the store is popular with celebrities including Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham.
