Two new managers have been appointed at the county's new luxury shopping centre, Cotswolds Designer Outlet, as the team gears up for its first phase opening this summer.
The management team at Gloucestershire property developer Robert Hitchins' highly anticipated retail and dining destination welcomes Paul Lacey as operations manager and Hannah Swithinbank as marketing and engagement manager, this February 2025.
It comes with news that retail space at the Tewkesbury centre is now 95 per cent committed or in legals to well-known fashion, sports, lifestyle, homewares and dining brands.
The management team, led by centre manager Adrian Field, is now working alongside the construction team to prepare for the opening of phase one this summer 2025, with scaffolding coming down this month ready for roofing, detailing and landscaping.
In his new role, Paul Lacey will be responsible for the smooth running of daily operations and guest experience to ensure a 'safe, welcoming environment for all', bringing extensive operational and facilities management experience at retail, leisure and tourism destinations, most recently at top visitor attraction Warwick Castle.
Hannah Swithinbank joins with a remit to 'positively shape' the launch and ongoing marketing strategy for Cotswolds Designer Outlet, bringing her experience of digital PR and social media, as well as design and photography at leading retail brand ProCook, to help position the centre as 'the must-visit destination' for the tourism economy, as well as regional and local visitors.
Centre manager Adrian Field said: 'I’m delighted to welcome Paul and Hannah to the team at this exciting milestone, with five months to go until opening.
'There is so much going on behind the scenes, not only in terms of the construction programme but also the launch planning.
'We are starting to work with the brands and retailers to establish efficient operations processes; and we are finalising our ambition for the opening and the ongoing guest experience that will set us up for success from day one.
'Paul and Hannah both bring extensive experience, agility, vision and enthusiasm to the role; and we cannot wait to share the scheme with our neighbours, visitors, tourists and retail staff in just a few months’ time.'
