Fancy stepping into a retail paradise? This is Westfield Stratford City. It is not just a shopping center. It is a destination. Westfield Stratford City is one of the largest urban shopping centers in Europe. It is located in Stratford, East London. The center opened on September 13, 2011.
Westfield Stratford City boasts a total retail floor area of 1,910,000 square feet. That is about 177,000 square meters. Only three shopping centers in the UK are larger by retail space. These are Westfield London, the MetroCentre, and the Trafford Centre. Westfield Stratford City is the biggest urban shopping center in the UK by land area.
Before Westfield Stratford City, the site was home to Stratford Works and Locomotive Depot. This area was transformed into a modern shopping hub. The development aimed to boost the local economy. It was projected to create up to 10,000 permanent jobs. About 2,001 of these jobs were intended for local residents. Some reports suggest that local businesses suffered due to the many chain stores.
Originally, the Westfield Group fully owned Westfield Stratford City. In November 2010, ABP Pension Fund and CPP Investment Board each acquired a 25% share. Westfield retained the remaining 50%. In 2018, Unibail-Rodamco acquired Westfield Corporation. Westfield’s holding is now owned by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield.
Westfield Stratford City sits next to the London Olympic Park. It is also near Stratford Cross, East Village, and Stratford International stations. The shopping center forms part of the larger Stratford City development project.
Inside Westfield Stratford City, you will find a wide array of stores and services. There are approximately 280 stores. Around 70 restaurants offer diverse dining options. Anchor tenants include Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, and Waitrose.
The John Lewis department store covers 240,000 square feet. The Waitrose supermarket spans 32,000 square feet. Marks & Spencer occupies 136,000 square feet. For entertainment, there is a 24-hour casino called Aspers. A Vue cinema has 20 all-digital screens.
If you are planning an overnight stay, consider the Premier Inn hotel with 267 rooms. Alternatively, there is a Holiday Inn with 350 rooms and Staybridge Suites.
Reaching Westfield Stratford City is convenient. Stratford station is nearby. It is served by several lines. These include the Central and Jubilee lines on the London Underground. You can also access Greater Anglia, the Elizabeth line, London Overground, and the Docklands Light Railway. Stratford International station is to the north. It offers Southeastern High Speed and Docklands Light Railway services.
Several London Buses routes serve Stratford bus station and Stratford City bus station. National Express and Terravision long-distance services also stop here.
Westfield states that 80% of shoppers use public transport to reach the center. The site does have a car park with 5,000 spaces.
Westfield Stratford City has made its mark in popular culture too. Nicole Scherzinger performed at the opening on September 13, 2011. Olly Murs filmed the music video for his single “Oh My Goodness” here in January 2012.
From railway sidings to a retail giant, Westfield Stratford City stands as a symbol of transformation. It offers shopping, dining, and entertainment all in one place.