Westfield Stratford City
Shopping Center | London | England | United Kingdom
Largest shopping center in Europe
"Westfield Stratford City" in London is one of the largest and most well-known shopping centers in the UK and is considered the largest urban shopping center in Europe. It opened on September 13, 2011, as part of a comprehensive urban development project called Stratford City, which was associated with the preparations for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. With a retail space of approximately 177,000 square meters, it accommodates over 300 stores and more than 80 restaurants and cafes. The center is located in Stratford, an area in East London, right next to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and has proven to be a significant catalyst for the regeneration of this formerly industrial area since its opening.
Entertainment center in London
The architecture of "Westfield Stratford City" is modern and functional, featuring a three-story, crescent-shaped layout characterized by wide corridors and a bright, open design. It boasts an impressive infrastructure that sets it apart from traditional shopping centers: in addition to numerous shops, there is a 20-screen Vue cinema complex, regarded as one of the largest and most technologically advanced in Europe, as well as Aspers Casino, the largest casino in the UK, which is open 24 hours a day. Additionally, three hotels are integrated into the center: a Premier Inn with 267 rooms, a Holiday Inn with 350 rooms, and Staybridge Suites, making the center a self-contained travel and leisure destination. Public transport links are excellent, with direct access to several train stations, including Stratford Station and Stratford International, serviced by the London Underground, the Elizabeth Line, the Docklands Light Railway, and other regional trains. In fact, about 80% of visitors arrive by public transport, although a parking garage with 5,000 spaces is also available.
Gastronomic offerings at Westfield
The shopping offerings are diverse, ranging from international luxury brands to popular high-street chains. Anchor stores include a large John Lewis department store with 22,000 square meters, a Marks & Spencer with 12,600 square meters, and a Waitrose supermarket with about 3,000 square meters. Other well-known brands like Zara, H&M, Apple, and Primark attract a wide audience, while smaller boutiques and specialty shops round out the offerings. The center has also introduced around 40 brands that were previously not represented in the UK, making it a trendsetter in the British retail scene. Regular expansions and renovations, such as those by Zara and JD Sports, keep the offerings current and attractive.
Public transport access Stratford
The culinary diversity is another major attraction. The restaurants and food stalls are distributed across various areas, including the "Mezzanine" for upscale casual dining with chains like Wagamama and Las Iguanas, the "Food Court" in the basement featuring familiar names like Harry Ramsden’s and Crêpeaffaire, as well as the "Great Eastern Market," which offers a modern interpretation of a traditional food market. This variety caters to both quick snacks and full meals, addressing different needs—from a quick bite during shopping to a relaxed dinner.
Architecture of shopping mall
"Westfield Stratford City" is not just a shopping center but also a leisure and entertainment hub. In addition to the cinema and casino, there is an All Star Lanes bowling alley, featuring 14 lanes and a luxurious design. Frequent events like fashion shows, musical performances, or seasonal festivals contribute to the vibrant atmosphere. The center attracts over 50 million visitors annually and is considered London’s most popular shopping destination based on foot traffic. It has created around 10,000 jobs and has had a significant economic impact on the local community by directing investment and tourism to East London.
Sustainability is also a focus: the center has implemented measures such as rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing, waterless urinals, and a "Zero Waste to Landfill" policy, under which most waste is recycled. There are also biodiversity projects on site, including a green roof with wildflowers as well as bird and bat boxes. These initiatives have earned the center ISO 14001 certification for environmentally friendly management.
