Plans for a £1Bn development to extend the Westfield Shopping Centre in Shepherds Bush and build more than 1,300 homes as well as creating hundreds of construction jobs have been approved by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson.
The project will include restaurants and cafes, office space, a children’s play space and a new leisure complex. This will all be anchored by a new 21367m sq John Lewis store, the first in West London, operating over four floors.
Developer Westfield Shoppingtowns will also build 1,347 homes, with 162 of these affordable homes. This number could increase subject to viability assessments.
The scheme sits within the White City Opportunity Area – one of more than 30 areas designated by the Mayor with significant capacity for new housing, commercial and other development.
The Mayor said: “Westfield has had a transformational impact on Shepherds Bush and White City, kick starting 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.”
The Opportunity Area seeks to build on White City’s heritage in creative, media and entertainment industries. Other elements include the redevelopment of the former BBC Television Centre in Wood Lane and a new campus for Imperial College, Imperial West. In total, there is capacity for 5,000 homes and 10,000 jobs.
Head of format development at John Lewis Tim Harrison said: “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.”
Concerns have been raised regarding the imposing appearance of tall buildings in the White City. Will the developers consider the impact on adjacent communities that these buildings may have? Sophie@Anglo