Westfield Stratford City is to create 10,000 permanent jobs when it opens in September, 1,500 more than previously predicted, according to an independent study.

The announcement was made as Secretary for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, Jeremy Hunt, and Communities Minister Bob Neill came to view building progress at the �1.45 billion site.

Mr Hunt said: “This project is one of the key pieces of Legacy to be delivered as part of the Olympics.

“Without the Games, this level of investment and job creation would not be happening and it is exciting to be here to see the progress of the development first hand.”

The study, which was commissioned by Westfield and produced by economists Volterra Consulting, also found that, including part-time workers, up to 14,000 employees may be required for the shopping centre’s launch.