Westfield Stratford City

Admiral Huddy · 17 Mar 2011 at 15:01

ha - Only the British would call a shopping centre in the East End of London, Westfield.

Much talk has been about the Olympic Park and Village, but the shopping centre adjacent to the development is huge and due to open later this year.

http://uk.westfield.com/stratfordcity/

As I commute past the area each day, the progress is impressive to say the least:

http://uk.westfield.com/stratfordcity/vision/site-progress/.

It does make you wonder though what customers they are trying to attract? The occupants are going to be the usually suspects who's customers will spend money at their stores anyway, regardless of where it is surely? and customers will surely be put off when sports events are held at the Stadium... Do you wanna take your family on West Ham Match days?

That said, the transport system will be superb and only 30 minutes on the train for me.. What impact will this will have on Lakeside and Blue-Water?

Will you be visiting yet another mega shopping mall in the area?

OriginalJonty · 17 Mar 2011 at 15:04

I guess people who travel from that area to Bluewater won't go there anymore, which is good for me as there will be a little less traffic to deal with around here. I live 10 minutes from Bluewater by car so I won't be going up to Westfield for my shopping experience when Bluewater caters for all my needs.

Wicksta · 17 Mar 2011 at 15:08

It will be confusing with two Westfields in London if you're meeting someone! I hope this doesn't catch anyone out on the motors Westfield meets.

Cosimo · 17 Mar 2011 at 15:10

The one in our neck of the woods is impressive and it is aptly named:

http://uk.westfield.com/london/

Wicksta · 17 Mar 2011 at 15:10

Admiral Huddy said:
It does make you wonder though what customers they are trying to attract? The occupants are going to be the usually suspects who's customers will spend money at their stores anyway, regardless of where it is surely? and customers will surely be put off when sports events are held at the Stadium... Do you wanna take your family on West Ham Match days?

I expect it will be similar to when QPR play around the corner from Shepherds Bush Westfield. The shopping centre is so vast that 20,000 fans get diluted pretty well although the tube stations get a bit busy. However I guess there are a lot better transport links around White City etc. with many tube stations to choose from so maybe I'd drive if I was going to the Stratford one when West Ham were playing.

Adam · 17 Mar 2011 at 15:36

I see this every morning on the train and every time it's more and more impressive. The size of the place is phenomenal!

chimaera · 17 Mar 2011 at 15:41

Westfield is the company...

They have hundreds of shopping malls around the world, i believe it's Australian but they have a strong position in the US market, there are Westfield's everywhere.

Admiral Huddy · 17 Mar 2011 at 16:09

chimaera said:
Westfield is the company...

I know.. it was my pathetic attempt at a joke

Dj_Jestar · 17 Mar 2011 at 16:18

Technically it is west of the field(s) of Essex

Tunney · 17 Mar 2011 at 23:27

Admiral Huddy said:
ha - Only the British would call a shopping centre in the East End of London, Westfield.

It does make you wonder though what customers they are trying to attract? The occupants are going to be the usually suspects who's customers will spend money at their stores anyway, regardless of where it is surely? and customers will surely be put off when sports events are held at the Stadium... Do you wanna take your family on West Ham Match days?

I live around the corner. Can't wait to have a Waitrose within 10 minutes walk of my home.

uvarvu · 18 Mar 2011 at 06:34

I'm looking forward to it but capacity on the Shenfield Metro is going to be a lot worse than it is now. I'm glad I cycle to work but there are days when I catch this, not looking forward to that.

Admiral Huddy · 18 Mar 2011 at 10:36

uvarvu said:
I'm looking forward to it but capacity on the Shenfield Metro is going to be a lot worse than it is now. I'm glad I cycle to work but there are days when I catch this, not looking forward to that.

Isn't the new Cross Rail link intended to start from Shenfield?

The amount of commuters from Chelmsford has got worse over the past 3 years, as people move out from London to cheaper housing. The infrastructure around Chelmsford and the trains to Liverpool St can't cope.

-Ad- · 18 Mar 2011 at 10:50

Very impressive, especailly close up.

A few work colleagues had a tour of some of the plant rooms and other areas about a month ago, found it very nice indeed!

ThomasTheTankEngine · 18 Mar 2011 at 11:04

I work 2 minutes from the west london one. I've only been in there a couple of times, and the whole places stinks like the perfume counter at M&S.

I guess it's good for women.... I'll stick with internet shopping.

uvarvu · 18 Mar 2011 at 11:12

Admiral Huddy said:
Isn't the new Cross Rail link intended to start from Shenfield?

The amount of commuters from Chelmsford has got worse over the past 3 years, as people move out from London to cheaper housing. The infrastructure around Chelmsford and the trains to Liverpool St can't cope.

Yep it is. That is going to open a lot later than the shopping centre though. It's not going to fully replace the metro either, a limited service will still operate from Gidea Park to Liverpool Street.

Source