International fast-fashion brand Zara is among stores anticipated to arrive as the Westfield Group opened the first stage of the $1.2 billion Westfield Sydney development today with 130 fashion and food specialty stores.

More than 120 further stores are expected to launch and the one that has not escaped the limelight is the coming of Spain's Zara next year. A second stage opening is scheduled for the second quarter of 2011, with the centre due for completion in 2012.

As when Westfield opened its first UK shopping centre at the end of 2008, there were some empty units which where in part a sign of retailers' caution throughout the financial downturn, but in some respects it prolonged the excitement for the shoppers as they experienced new store brands and restaurants each time they visited, said Anne Marie Davis, Practice Leader of Verdict Research & Datamonitor.

Ms Davis expects "This is exactly what will happen with Westfield's latest development at home except on a greater scale as construction continues and new units are built. Not only will Sydney's shoppers eagerly await the opening of Zara, the successful Spanish retailer's decision to open in Australia will also entice some other international players which will only serve to prolong the hype surrounding the new shopping centre."