Westfield London has opened the doors to the first phase of its new 740,000sq ft expansion today, creating thousands of jobs.
The new £600 million expansion opens six months ahead of schedule and is anchored by John Lewis’s 50th store, spanning four levels and 230,000sq ft.
This marks the first of three phased openings at Westfield London, with the final phase due to open on the 10th anniversary of the shopping centre’s initial launch on October 30.
Upon completion Westfield London will be the largest shopping centre in Europe at 2.6 million sq ft, overtaking its East London stablemate Westfield Stratford.
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Eight thousand jobs will be created within the 90 new retailers and restaurants, bringing the total to 20,000.
Other major retailers opening today include Space NK, Adidas, West Elm, Currys PC World and The White Company.
H&M, Boots and Mango will also be launching newly expanded stores this morning.
“We’re thrilled to be the anchor shop in the extension of this world leading shopping and leisure destination,” John Lewis managing director Paula Nickolds said.
“Our 50th shop demonstrates our latest thinking and we will offer customers something quite different. It’s also where we can build a far more personal relationship with our customers – bringing together the very best of our service with our outstanding partners.”
Westfield Europe’s chief operating officer Peter Miller added: “Following the successful opening in 2008, Westfield has been masterplanning this expansion to connect with and stimulate the broader White City regeneration.
“Westfield London has introduced a number of UK centre firsts including the first luxury precinct, new hotel concierge services, an expanded dining offer as well as hosting major international events and film premieres.
“It is now time to build on that success with the opening of the expansion.”
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