Westfield's Extension Will Bring £20 Million Boost to Area
Council signs agreement with centre over community benefits
Hammersmith & Fulham Council says an agreement between the council and Westfield London will see more than £20 million spent on improving the local area.
The investment is a legal agreement, known as a section 106 agreement which has been signed as part of H&F Council granting planning permission for a £1 billion expansion of the existing Westfield Shepherd's Bush centre
The scheme will have at least 162 affordable homes and there is scope for this to increase to 250. Other local benefits from the agreement include:
- £12.25 million to support infrastructure and the development of the White City Opportunity Area and the wider borough – in particular improvements to education, skills and public realm
- £600,000 to support local jobs and training including the provision of an enhanced Work Zone
- A commitment between the council and Westfield to work together to create training, employment and procurement opportunities for the local community
- Approximately £7 million to support transport improvements including rail infrastructure, increased bus capacity and road improvements
- A commitment to developing openly accessible amenity spaces and public areas that will bring together adjoining development sites, and make the area better for the community.
Around 8,000 new jobs will be created at the 7.64 hectare site, with new restaurants, cafes, leisure facilities, offices, community space and shops, including the first John Lewis in west London.
Planning permission was finalised and granted on September 5, with the planning committee having unanimously voted through plans in April earlier this year.
Cllr Stephen Cowan, leader of H&F Council, said: " We are very pleased to announce that on September 5, H&F Council issued the planning permission for Westfield London’s expansion, to allow the development to get underway.
" The plans will provide a dynamic and attractive gateway to Shepherd's Bush town centre and the wider White City Opportunity Area, creating new jobs, housing – including much needed affordable housing – and £20m of community benefits agreed via the section 106. This is a great example of public-private partnerships working effectively to deliver beneficial regeneration."
Duncan Bower, Westfield’s director of development, said:
" Westfield London has always aimed to be a positive force for change in the local area – whether that is through our direct financial contributions or physical delivery for community benefit, the significant job opportunities the centre provides annually, or the further inward investment that is attracted to the White City Opportunity Area.
" With the new retail extension – and in particular attracting John Lewis to W12 – we will continue to contribute to the on-going rejuvenation of Shepherd’s Bush and White City."
September 15, 2014
