Westfield London set to be the Capital’s Premium Fashion, Lifestyle and Leisure experience.
Westfield, the world's largest listed retail property company, is set to change the face of retail in the United Kingdom when it opens its new flagship development – “Westfield London” – at White City, London in 2008.
Beneath a spectacular, undulating glass roof, the £1.6 billion Westfield London destination will combine over 150,000m2 of retail, restaurants, cafes, bars and leisure facilities to create the ultimate shopping and leisure destination.
The new London landmark will include:
- 4 anchor stores and 265 speciality shops – Westfield London will house flagship stores of Marks and Spencer, Debenhams, Waitrose, and Next.
- National Amusement’s Cinema de Luxe state-of-the-art 14-screen cinema complex and directors’ lounges.
- A new luxury area within the centre – a first of its kind in the UK. Three levels of undercover high-end retail designed by acclaimed architect, Michael Gabellini solely dedicated to luxury and designer fashion brands.
- The Pavilion – the cultural heart of Westfield London. A vast indoor atrium will showcase world-class events from live music and fashion shows to cultural and art exhibitions.
- A groundbreaking dining experience – over 40 places to dine including 15 premium restaurants, al fresco dining terrace and 12 high-tech ‘pods’ showcasing an eclectic mix of European and Pan-Asian cuisines not previously found in UK malls.
- Easy access – a prime location in central London served by 4,500 car parking spaces, a new overland railway, new tube station and two new bus terminals.
- Premium health and fitness area including urban retreat spa and gymnasium to promote well-being and pampering.
- Personalised concierge and customer services – including valet parking and amenities such as porters to carry packages, signature gift boxes, dinner reservations and personal shopping.
Westfield London will act as a catalyst for the redevelopment and regeneration of the wider White City area with a further £1bn investment expected in the immediate vicinity over the next 10 years. The local economy will be boosted by the creation of a number of employment opportunities including 1,000 jobs during the construction phase and 4,000 when the centre opens.
“London now has one of the most vibrant and diverse dining cultures in the world currently undergoing a huge renaissance. The eating, drinking and food retailing offer of Westfield London has been designed to reflect and celebrate this”, said David Slade, Director of Leasing.
“Westfield London understands Londoners’ lifestyles, habits, and above all, their growing passion for food and dining out. It will offer a carefully selected line-up of restaurants, bars, cafes and food shops that cater to all tastes and to all occasions. Be it the need to grab a bite to eat after a long day or to celebrate a special occasion; a place to have a light lunch whilst shopping or a neighbourhood café to make your own.”
Westfield managing director UK & Europe, Michael Gutman said: “Westfield is a company that is passionate about the combination of food and retail fashion, and understands its pivotal importance within a development. Westfield London will truly break the mould of shopping centre entertainment and dining, delivering an experience that is a fitting showcase for restaurateurs, food producers and retailers alike, bringing together the best of London’s – and the UK’s - eclectic eating offer under one roof for the first time.”
Group managing director, Steven Lowy said: “Westfield London will draw on our global and local experience of creating unique retail and lifestyle offerings to create an unprecedented development both in terms of quality and scale. It will provide a customer lifestyle experience that is second to none, combining entertainment, dining, and leisure opportunities with outstanding guest hospitality: valet parking, porters, personal shopping and more.”
Award winning architect, Michael Gabellini commented: “The luxury precinct at Westfield London has been designed as a luxury and designer goods emporium for the 21st century – a place of wonder. The location has a long history as a place of culture from the Franco - British Exhibition of 1908, the Japan-British Exhibition of 1910, the 1908 Olympics village and home to the BBC. Westfield London will continue to use the site as a place to represent culture as it moves through time.”