Billion Pound Westfield Shopping Centre Expansion Gains Final Approval

Westfield has been granted final planning approval for a £1bn expansion of its shopping complex in West London.

Hammersmith and Fulham council approved the plan, which includes by a £30m John Lewis department store and more than 1,300 new homes at the site in Shepherd’s Bush, which will be built by Westfield’s residential arm, Westfield Shoppingtowns Ltd.

Also included are restaurants and cafes, a children’s play area, office space, and a leisure complex. The development is expected to create up to 6,700 full-time jobs.

Enabling works are due to begin this year with main construction works beginning in 2015. The complex is due to be open for business for Christmas 2017.

Cllr Stephen Cowan, Leader of Hammersmith & Fulham Council, said: “Hammersmith & Fulham Council has issued the planning permission for Westfield London’s expansion to allow the development to get underway.

“The plans will provide an attractive gateway to Shepherd’s Bush town centre and the wider White City Opportunity Area, creating new jobs, housing including much needed affordable housing, and the £20m worth of community benefits agreed via the section 106.

“This is a great example of public-private partnerships working effectively to deliver beneficial regeneration.”

The scheme was designed by architect Allies and Morrison.