EALING Broadway Shopping Centre celebrated 30 years at the centre of the community with an anniversary party attended by VIPs and hundreds of shoppers.

To commemorate 30 sweet years, Cllr Tej Ram Bagha, Mayor of Ealing, cut a cake modelled on the centre’s Town Square and handed out more than 300 pieces to shoppers and staff.

Angela Bray, MP for Ealing Central and Acton, was also in attendance, along with charities such as Marie Curie Cancer Care, Comic Relief and The Log Cabin, all of which have benefited from the centre’s support in recent months.

Leigh Jennings, Marie Curie Cancer Care, said: “With Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre’s help over the years, Marie Curie has become one of London’s most successful fund-raising groups.

“The events we have co-hosted in the past two years, in addition to raising money for a worthwhile cause, have also helped foster a sense of community among our volunteers.”

The centre has worked with dozens of charities to support fund-raising initiatives. It endeavours to support a different local charity each month, through partnership events or an activity created to give shoppers a memorable experience – such as zombie fun runs, baking sales and putting Santa in a taxi.

Vivien Dymock, of The Log Cabin, said: “Last year Ealing Broadway organised a fabulously scary Zombie Halloween evening, in partnership with Ealing Half Marathon.

"It raised funds which enabled us to take some of the children, who have disabilities and additional needs, on some super trips.

“This Easter they will be donating the proceeds of a children’s egg hunt and arts and crafts event.”

Opened in 1985, Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre provides a hub for shopping, eating out and community events.

Along the way, it has also marked major historic events such as the 50th anniversary of the Great War and has welcomed The Queen, Victoria Beckham and Roald Dahl through its doors.

The centre underwent a £12.5m refurbishment last year, which included new ceilings, flooring and lighting and improved signage.

Subject to planning the second phase of the refurbishment, which includes improvements to Town Square, Oak Road and the entrances, will begin this year.

Andrew Rollings, centre manager, said: “We don’t consider ourselves just a business but an integral part of the Ealing community. It’s been a great 30 years and we look forward to being around for 30 more.”