IT WAS meant to be a bright new dawn for the historic Allders building when it opened.
But nearing its first anniversary, Croydon Village Outlet (CVO) remains in administration, having so far led a troubled existence.
A disastrous opening day, debts mounting up right from the start and complaints from customers and staff have made it a year to forget for the store, famously trumpeted as "the Harrods of the south east" by owner Marco Cash at its launch.
Now, the administrators are the only thing keeping CVO in business and the Advertiser understands the new company in charge, Metro Outlet Croydon, has eight unpaid county court judgements totalling more than £35,000 against it.
Mr Cash, the flamboyant face of the store when it opened on September 19 last year and director of Metro Outlet Croydon, said this week he had nothing to do with the operations at CVO, although rumours still persist of his continued involvement.
The Outlet has been in administration since April.
Administrator UHY Hacker Young has not replied to the Advertiser's request for comment on the unpaid creditors but this week said the store would continue to operate. It is not clear if it is still seeking a buyer.
Martin Brand, of debt collectors Outstanding Results, said: "We are still advising and communicating with four creditors (from CVO).
"However legally when a company goes into administration we are unable to actively chase the debts and therefore our clients have to deal with the administrators and make a claim through them."
Suggestions of CVO's struggles started within weeks of the store opening and Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell held a meeting for employees in April.
Mr Barwell added: "I have never thought the Outlet was a long-term solution. It is better to have it occupied than to have it vacant but the sooner we get on with what is planned the better.
"I have been very concerned about those who are owed money but you can't get a meeting with the administrators however hard you try.
"They are the worst for that out of any organisation I have dealt with."
Westfield and Hammerson's Croydon Partnership is trying to negotiate the compulsory purchase order for the site, owned by Minerva.
A partnership spokesman said: "The former Allders building is situated in the heart of the re-development site and is part of the land assembly process to allow the scheme to proceed and deliver regeneration to Croydon's retail town centre."
