This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-england-london-14022954

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Westfield Stratford City shopping centre opens Westfield Stratford City shopping centre opens
(about 2 hours later)
Europe's largest urban shopping centre has opened in east London. Thousands of people queued to snap up special offers at the opening of Europe's largest urban shopping centre.
Westfield Stratford City is located next to the Olympic Park and will provide the main access to the site for the Games in 2012. Shoppers ran towards the stores as the doors to Westfield Stratford City, located next to the Olympic Park in east London, were opened.
The £1.45bn complex houses more than 300 stores, 70 restaurants, a 14-screen cinema, three hotels, a bowling alley and the UK's largest casino. The £1.45bn complex houses more than 300 shops, 70 restaurants, a 14-screen cinema, three hotels, a bowling alley and the UK's largest casino.
Pixie Geldof and Nick Grimshaw hosted the official opening at which pop star Nicole Scherzinger was to perform. It will provide the main access to the Olympic park for the 2012 Games.
Pop star Nicole Scherzinger performed at an official opening ceremony hosted by Pixie Geldof and Nick Grimshaw.
London Mayor Boris Johnson was also present and was only metres away when a metal roof tile fell and smashed on the floor, BBC London reporter Jason Rosam said.
Nobody was injured, he added.
People began queuing outside the centre at least two hours before most shops opened at 10:00 BST.People began queuing outside the centre at least two hours before most shops opened at 10:00 BST.
Olympians including synchronised swimmer Jenna Randall and rower Andy Triggs-Hodge will be signing autographs when they open Next's new store. Olympians including synchronised swimmer Jenna Randall and rower Andy Triggs-Hodge signed autographs when they opened Next's new store.
Large screensLarge screens
And Olympic medallist Colin Jackson will launch the first Lloyds TSB branch since 2004. Customers will be able to have their photo taken with the 2012 Olympic Torch. And Olympic medallist Colin Jackson launched the first Lloyds TSB branch since 2004. Customers were able to have their photo taken with the 2012 Olympic Torch.
So far 95% of the centre has been let. It is claimed that up to 8,500 permanent jobs will be created by the retail sector.So far 95% of the centre has been let. It is claimed that up to 8,500 permanent jobs will be created by the retail sector.
The complex will provide the main access to the Olympic Park and large screens will be displayed along the centre's walkways to show the main sporting events. The complex will provide the main access to the Olympic Park and large screens will be displayed along the centre's walkways showing the main sporting events.
Bill Giouroukos, director of operations at Westfield, said: "The retail mix we are putting in place at Stratford will be the next chapter in retail development for London."Bill Giouroukos, director of operations at Westfield, said: "The retail mix we are putting in place at Stratford will be the next chapter in retail development for London."
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said the project was "setting the pace for the transformation of east London". Mr Johnson said the project was "setting the pace for the transformation of east London".
He said: "It is one of the most important legacies of the 2012 Olympics.He said: "It is one of the most important legacies of the 2012 Olympics.
"It will create 18,000 jobs and, as a result of Westfield's investment, have some of the most modern additions to London's public transport infrastructure.""It will create 18,000 jobs and, as a result of Westfield's investment, have some of the most modern additions to London's public transport infrastructure."