Westfield has gained consent for yet more retail at its Stratford City scheme, with an extra 150,000 sq ft of retail space to be constructed below the existing site, resulting in the loss of 600 car parking spaces. The basement dig will allow for an extra 75 retail units.
This comes just six months after their most recent consent for an extra 117,000 sq ft of retail, for use by a single retailer, within a side extension. That consent also includes more than 1,200 homes above. In total, both schemes will provide 267,000 sq ft of new retail, on top of the 1.9 million that currently exists.
John Burton, head of development, Westfield UK/Europe, said: “Westfield is pleased to receive planning approval for the 150,000 sq ft retail expansion. The increased retail is in response to the strong demand from international and UK retailers wanting space at Westfield Stratford City. The high performing centre has broken industry records delivering £1.1bn in retail sales and over 46m customers annually. The successful and ongoing regeneration of the area has placed Stratford as a highly desirable location for retail, offices and residential as well as cultural and sporting attractions and events.”
As the image below illustrates, the basement dig will allow the car parking provision to be lowered on to a single level. The current two levels of car parking will then become retail space. A total of 600 car parking spaces will be lost.
The loss of car parking is also most likely a reflection of the changing shopping habits, with most in general not shopping for masses, or bulky goods. Newer shopping centres cater much more towards leisure, food and beverages as well as experiences. Brent Cross for example in its new scheme submitted last month will go from just 4% food and beverage to 30%, whilst more than doubling in size to 2 million sq ft in size. The opening of Crossrail in 2019 will also likely mean more trips made by public transport to Westfield Stratford City.
John Burton of Westfield; “Following the opening of the retail expansion, Westfield Stratford City will have over 4,000 car parking spaces. Through future development phases, Westfield will assess the transport needs of its customers to ensure we continue to accommodate the anticipated number of visitors to the centre.”
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