The 1 million sq ft (92,900 sq m) Westfield Derby scheme is 98 per cent let and most of the stores are open and trading. The scheme is anchored by Marks & Spencer, Debenhams and Sainsbury’s.
Westfield managing director for UK and Europe Michael Gutman said: “We hope the people of Derby and the surrounding area will be excited by the new centre, which brings to the city 100 retailers that have not traded in Derby before.”
The scheme has pulled in 16 larger stores, including Next, Zara, H&M, River Island and New Look, and more than 100 smaller shops. There is also a 12-screen, 70,000 sq ft (6,505 sq m) Cinema De Lux.
“This is a landmark occasion for Westfield in the UK,” said Gutman. “The successful opening of Derby is a major step towards realising the ambition we have for the British market that will see us open Westfield London next year and Stratford City in 2011.
“Over the next decade, we expect that our UK assets under management will grow from£4.3 billion at present to approximately£11 billion and come to represent a large part of Westfield’s global operations.”
Westfield and Hermes acquired the Eagle Centre in Derby in 2000. In 2002, outline planning consent was granted, followed by further planning consent to enlarge the scheme in September 2003. Work started in January 2005.
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