Department store John Lewis is set to open a four-storey shop and create 600 new jobs at Westfield shopping centre.

The 230,000 sq ft shop, its first in west London, will anchor major extension plans which could be completed by 2017.

This includes 600,000 sq ft of new shops alongside 1,500 homes and new leisure facilities in Ariel Way, Shepherd’s Bush.

Work could begin on the project next year, pending planning consent.

Nick Botterill, leader of Hammersmith and Fulham Council, welcomed the plans.

“This marriage of the UK’s best retailer and the nation’s most exciting shopping centre is set to last - and with one of London’s finest boroughs as the backdrop, it will be wedding to remember.

“The arrival of John Lewis at Westfield is further proof that White City is becoming unmatched as a centre for shopping and leisure, and the creation of 600 jobs is fantastic news for local people.”

Andy Street, managing director for John Lewis, said: “Our business in London has strengthened significantly over recent years. It is therefore right that we now move to open in Westfield London and bring our offer to customers in the west of the city.”