8 Oct 2008

Europe's largest shopping centre, Westfield is due to open it doors to shoppers at the end of October 2008

Westfield Shopping Centre (a new project costing £1.6 billion), located between Shepherds bush and Holland Park in West London has been targeted to become one of the capital's major retail and leisure destinations when it opens on the 30th October 2008. Around 265 speciality stores are set to accommodate some of the world's finest labels, beneath an enormous flamboyant, undulating glass ceiling. Inside the building, which incidentally is said to be manufactured out of 50% recycled materials, a specially created retail village will feature premium retailers (more accustomed to Bond Street) in what is promised to be a fantastic luxurious environment. Westfield London will also feature many eclectic dining options combined with a state of the art 14 screen multi-cinema complex, and a beauty center and fully equipped gymnasium. A host of exclusive customer services, activities and events will add to the retail and leisure offer to make Westfield London an unmissable London destination.

Food is a major part of the experience and Keith Mabbett, Leasing Director for Westfield London, has said: "The mix of outlets will range from high end cafes and restaurants through to market style gourmet food kiosks, family restaurants and coffee shops."

It is know that some of the major leading, national and international food operators that are set to be operating within the development are: Tibits, Leon, Del’aziz, Wahaca, The Real Greek, Wagamama and Esca. These exclusive names are normally found only to be niche operators, restricting their presence to the centre of the Capital or to select London suburbs which makes their decision to open branches in Westfield London a testament to the project’s revolutionary approach and a true stamp to the identity that Westfield is going to provide its visitors.

Mr Gutman, the Managing Director of Westfield UK & Europe, has been quoted as saying: "Westfield has become a specialist at the combination of retail, dining leisure and entertainment in a series of high end malls around the world including Century City in Los Angeles, San Francisco Centre in downtown San Francisco, Bondi Junction in Sydney and shortly to commence at the base of the soon to be rebuilt World Trade centre in New York."

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