Reporter SALINA PATEL takes a look at how Westfield shopping centre has fared in Britain's recession a year after it opened

WESTFIELD has proved to be a roaring success despite opening during the recession one year ago.

Europe's largest indoor shopping mall celebrated its first year of trading, having welcomed almost 23 million visitors through the doors, 15 per cent more than developers expected.

The £1.7billion complex contains 275 shops and about 50 restaurants. It has sold more than 100,000 glasses of champagne, has set three Guinness World Records and has been filled with the voices of stars such as Beverley Knight.

Michael Gutman, managing director of Westfield UK/Europe, said: "Overall we are very proud of what has been achieved in the first year - the 7,000 jobs we have created, the transformation and regeneration of the Shepherd's Bush town centre and the establishment of a totally new retail destination for the UK."

The landmark has attracted

visitors from as far as China, Russia and the Middle East.

It boasts a unique layout, with the Southern Terrace street hosting an array of restaurants, the Balcony and Loft areas inside set up in a typical food court style and the luxury Village area having some of the biggest designer names and even a champagne bar.

Tim Donavon-Scott, at Searcys, said: "The bar has been such a great success that we are going to extend the bar itself, nearly doubling our capacity.

"We're looking forward to our second Christmas at Westfield London."

However, during the past year several stores and restaurants have been forced to close down as they took a blow in the tough economic climate.

Replacement eateries for the Southern Terrace include Jom Makan, a Malaysian restaurant that opened on October 22, and The Bull, a food-led pub will be opening this autumn.

About 15 more outlets have joined the centre, including Jimmy Choo and Red Valentino in The Village area and Pandora and Virgin Media in the main

The new Shepherd's Bush Library opened in Westfield a few months ago, while The Green revamp is under way.

Westfield now prepares for the opening of fitness centre GymBox and the Vue cinema next year, which will mean the mall has everything from retail and dining to leisure.

Tim Richards, chief executive of Vue Entertainment, said: "The 14-screen cinema will be the UK's second and London's first digital cinema including Digital 3D. Three of the screens will be Vue's new 'Scene' concept with a private wine and champagne bar including luxury seating."

The cinema opens in February.