The first phase of Westfield’s huge extension will open on 20 March when John Lewis opens the doors to its new 230,000 sq.ft store.

At the same time around half of the shops in the extension will also open, including H&M, Adidas and Boots.

A second phase of openings will take place in the summer with more stores, restaurant and leisure operators including, Ichiba – Europe’s largest Japanese food hall – and the first in a new generation of boutique bowling venues for All Star Lanes.

The final opening is scheduled for 30 October to coincide with the shopping centre’s 10th anniversary.