Westfield Stratford City has broken shopper footfall records attracting 47 million visitors since it opened last year and recorded an 8.5 million boost in visitors during the Olympics and Paralympics.

Property firm Westfield, which celebrates the East London centre’s first anniversary today, said the 1.9m sq ft shopping centre has outperformed the Birmingham’s Bullring, which attracted 36.5 million visitors in its first year, and Cardiff’s St Davids, which saw 35 million shoppers in its first twelve months of trading.

The centre attracted more than one million people in its first seven days of trading and, since then, has seen an average of 800,000 visitors per week. It achieved sales of £500m sales in its first six months.

As the gateway to the Olympic Park, the centre received a significant boost in footfall during the Olympics and Paralympics. Visits hit 8.5 million over the two events.

Westfield director of operations Bill Giouroukos said: “Following an exceptional Games period for Westfield and our retailers, we are now entering the next key phase of development at Westfield Stratford City.

“We are committed to Stratford’s continued regeneration and look to deliver similarly iconic schemes in cities around the world.”

Westfield Stratford City’s first birthday will be marked by a host of events, store incentives and offers at the centre.