Europe’s first ever purpose-built boutique South Asian shopping centre has turned one years old in grand style.

Newham Recorder: Akhtar and Bob Popat, owners of East Shopping CentreAkhtar and Bob Popat, owners of East Shopping Centre (Image: Archant)

Food, music, family fun and dancing accompanied the vivid colours of the subcontinent as East Shopping Centre, in Green Street, Upton Park celebrated the anniversary of its opening.

Music stars Juggy D and Plaistow’s own Mumzy Stranger performed while Absolute Bollywood offered dance workshops during Saturday’s event.

West Ham MP Lyn Brown also attended the festivities, which celebrated the 1.4 million visitors the centre – which specialises in wedding items – has seen come through its doors since 2015.

Bob Popat, partner at ACR Investments – the group behind East – said the future looks bright for the emporium.

“It’s been a fantastic day here at East Shopping Centre, celebrating our first year of business,” he said.

“We’ve had a wonderful first year of bringing the very best in Asian fashion to East. We are confident that our top retail brands, competitive pricing and safe, vibrant environment will continue to bring in customers and local support.”

Meanwhile Mumzy Stranger, who gave fans a special preview of his new single Jaan Atki, said Newham is a natural home for East.

“It’s great to have East Shopping Centre here on Green Street, which has long been a business hub for the vibrant Asian community in this area,” he said.

“It’s the perfect place for Europe’s first Asian shopping centre.”