Boris Johnson says yes to massive new John Lewis store and 1,300 homes

Westfield - west London

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has approved plans for a £1bn expansion of the Westfield shopping centre in west London which comprises a 230,000 sq ft John Lewis store as well as more than 1,300 new homes.

The development will also include restaurants and cafes, office space, a children’s play space and a new leisure complex and is expected to create around 6,700 permanent new jobs.

Under the permission, Westfield’s residential arm, Westfield Shoppingtowns Ltd, will build 1,347 homes. Of these 162 will be affordable homes, 40% of which will be social rented, with the possibility this number will increase subject to viability assessments.

The development, which will enable the first John Lewis store in west London, is part of the White City opportunity area which the mayor’s office has identified as having the capacity for 5,000 homes.

Tim Harrison, head of format development at John Lewis, 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.”