It cost $1.2 billion to build, caused traffic chaos and only half of the shops are trading, but Westfield opened its glitzy new superstore in Sydney's CBD today.
The Pitt Street complex is still being finished, but more than 100 shoppers were lining up this morning to get a first look.
Before long, thousands more walked through the doors.
The seven-storey complex includes a number of high-end fashion and dining options.
Most businesses this morning were putting the final touches to their stores.
But the European fashion shop that appeared to be causing the most shopper interest, Zara, remained closed.
Westfield chief executive Steven Lowy said the complex was opening six months ahead of schedule, with the company keen to catch the Christmas market.
He believed Westfield would complement rival stores David Jones and Myer.
Shopper reaction was mostly positive following the opening.
Jane, from Newcastle, said the layout and design were impressive.
"I like it, it looks very beautiful and has lots of new [shop] ideas," she said.
"I like the number of different shops too, and [swimwear shop] Tigerlily was great."
Waterloo resident Helen agreed the centre was exciting, but was eagerly awaiting the opening of Zara.
"I like the lounge area, and I'm really looking forward to Zara too," she said.
Nick, a Surry Hills resident and city worker, said the new complex "was almost too glitzy".
"We were just saying it appeared to be a bit bright, a bit too glitzy, but there is an impressive range of shops of good calibre," he said.
"But, yeah, it was probably needed, everything was looking a bit tired."
Sydney lord mayor Clover Moore welcomed the investment in the city, calling the complex "beautiful".
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