Former Nestle HQ in Croydon to be converted into flats

The former UK headquarters of confectionery giant Nestle is to be converted into flats.

The company left St George's House in Croydon, south London, last September and moved to West Sussex, taking with it 840 jobs.

It has remained empty but Croydon Council has granted planning permission to financial services company Legal & General to create 288 new homes.

The plans also include a car park and cafe for the area.

Councillor Jason Perry said: "It is a significant leap forward in the council's strategy for regenerating the town centre, refreshing its 1960s streetscape and boosting the economic growth of the borough."

Director at Legal and General Property, Charlie Walker said the scheme would bring a new "lease of life" to the area.

The company had been based in Croydon for 40 years.