As a result of winning the London 2012 Games in Singapore in 2005, phase one of the construction of Westfield Stratford City was completed around seven years ahead of schedule while research by Volterra, commissioned by Westfield Group, estimates that completion of phase two of the development will be up to 25 years ahead of the investor's plans.

In total, the London 2012 Games are set to inject around £2 billion ($3.2 billion) into the capital's economy and create 10,000 permanent jobs many years earlier than forecast according to the report published today, with Johnson stating that Westfield is an early illustration of the changes that are to come in east London.

"Our commitment to transform the job prospects of Londoners and bring lasting economic benefits as a result of the 2012 Games is already becoming a reality," said Johnson.

"The future of this long-neglected area is looking bright thanks to both the Games and the vision of Westfield Group.

"And this is just the tip of the iceberg as investors from across the planet see the incredible opportunities arising as we develop this brand new district in our great city."

The jobs created at Westfield Stratford City are in addition to the wider jobs and skills legacy being delivered through 2012 Games programmes, which include lifting more than 25,000 people into new jobs.

In addition, 400 apprentices have been trained on the Olympic Park site, while a further 40,000 training places have been provided and 50,000 people have received support to get back into work.

The figures were revealed as the London Mayor joined Stratford City's development director John Burton and Newham Mayor, Sir Robin Wales on a tour of the retail centre here.

The trio met construction workers finishing off the site as well as some of the very first people who have been offered jobs there after attending Westfield, Newham and Seetec's unique retail academy, The Skills Place Newham, which is supplying skilled workers to operate the centre and its shops.

"This project is the first piece of legacy for east London and, with the creation of 10,000 permanent new jobs from our opening on September 13, it demonstrates the scale of regeneration taking place in this part of the city," said Burton.

"Although this project was going to happen with or without the Games, London's successful bid to host the Olympics gave us all a fixed deadline and has therefore accelerated the delivery of the investment and job creation by up to 25 years."

Sir Robin added: "Our great partnership with Westfield has enabled us to set up Skills Place Newham which will equip local people with the training and expertise they need to get back into work.

"We have already been successful in helping more than 7,500 people into work through Newham's Workplace programme which was developed to make sure local people receive advice about their employment options and have the right skills for their chosen career.

"Workplace will now work in close partnership with Skills Place Newham to help us deliver a lasting legacy of sustained employment for our residents."

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