Croydon’s chief executive has distanced himself from the current wrangle to redevelop the Whitgift Centre.

Hammerson and Westfield are both vying to be the development partner of the Whitgift Foundation to overhaul the North End shopping mall.

But speaking at this year’s MIPIM trade fair in Cannes, which began today, Croydon Council chief executive Jon Rouse said he was not getting involved.

He told Property Week magazine: “Why would you get in the middle of two 800 pound gorillas?”

Mr Rouse was keen to highlight the attractiveness of Croydon for businesses in the face of Nestle leaving the borough.

He added: “Of course we are gutted because it’s 1,000 jobs moving elsewhere, but they gave Croydon 50 years of stimulus and for that we are thankful.

“Now, we need to attract people here for their regional HQs, away from places like Sutton and Bromley, because we are only 15 minutes from the City on the train.”

His words were echoed by Mark Glatman, chief executive of the Abstract group of companies, who is due to talk about its new development Renaissance at MIPIM tomorrow.

Renaissance is a 100,000sq ft development in Dingwall Road, near East Croydon station which is hoped will be complete in August 2013.

Mr Glatman said: “We anticipate high demand for the office space, particularly with Croydon set to benefit from extensive investment in the coming years.

“The reasons for investing in Croydon are numerous – including the exceptional connectivity by public transport between Croydon and central London, the strong base of highly respected occupiers, the skilled labour base and the commitment from Sussex University.

“There are also the funded public realm improvements by Croydon Council as well as the retail base and announcement by Hammerson that they are committing further investment to their Centrale retail centre.

“Croydon is extremely well positioned for future growth and occupiers need modern grade A specified office space, which Renaissance will provide at an affordable level.”