Westfield returns in a big way to WTC

After selling its stake in the World Trade Center in 2003, the Westfield Group is now a big driver behind Ground Zero’s redevelopment, with a $1.45 billion partnership with the Port Authority to develop and operate about 500,000 square feet of stores and restaurants. When the Australian-based retail firm left the project, it retained the right to negotiate with the Port Authority first once retail plans emerged. A rapidly increasing population and a retail boom Downtown helped draw the firm back.