Boris Johnson gives green light to Westfield London extension

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has given the go ahead for the 1 billion pound extension of Westfield London in Shepherds Bush. The extension, which is immediately north of the existing centre, will be anchored by a four-level John Lewis, the department store’s first in West London. The 230,000

square foot store is expected to start construction in 2015 to open in time for Christmas 2017 and will create around 600 jobs.

The

development will also include restaurants, cafes, office space, a children’s play space, a new leisure complex and more than 1,300 homes. It is expected that the expansion will create around 6,700 permanent new jobs.

Johnson’s approval comes just under two months after Hammersmith and Fulham Council approved the plans.

Commenting on the extension, Johnson said: “Westfield has had a transformational impact on Shepherds Bush and White City, kickstarting widespread social and economic regeneration. This expansion will create thousands of much-needed new homes and jobs and ensure that the area remains one of west London’s leading shopping destinations for many years to come.”

John Lewis to open at Westfield London after extension gets green light

Tim Harrison, head of format development at John Lewis, added: “This is very positive news. We look forward to bringing our offer closer to customers in west London. We will continue to work closely with Westfield during the next design stage and towards delivery of the shop for 2017.”

The development sits within the White City Opportunity Area, one of more than 30 areas designated by the Mayor of London with significant capacity for new housing, commercial and other development.

Image: Westfield London proposed extension aerial view