The first phase of the hotly anticipated Cotswolds Designer Outlet development is underway, as property developer Robert Hitchins appoints major contractor, Bouygues UK, to the project.
With construction due to start in November 2023, the exciting new shopping and leisure destination in Ashchurch, near Tewkesbury, is on track to open in spring 2025.
Set to create a 'full day out' experience just off the M5 at junction 9, right next to the south west's flagship Dobbies Garden Centre, Cotswolds Designer Outlet will bring new retail brands and food and drink hotspots to a prime location that taps into the campaign marketing the area as a tourist gateway to the Cotswolds.
Visitors can look forward to shopping at more than 90 fashion and lifestyle brands, providing discounts between 30 per cent and 70 per cent all year round, rivalling popular UK outlet destinations like Bicester Village.
As well as fantastic deals and days out for Gloucestershire residents, the outlet is predicted to provide a huge economic boost for the area with an estimated annual tourist spend of £3.6 billion.
As construction gets underway for the first phase of the development, Bouygues UK is keen to involve the local community as much as possible, working with regional supply chain partners and employing a high percentage of people from the area — with the construction project expected to create over 300 Gloucestershire jobs.
Simon Tothill, property and development director at Robert Hitchins, said: 'Cotswolds Designer Outlet has the potential to make a meaningful, lasting contribution to the region’s growth; the combination of a strong location, thoughtful design and a hugely positive response from leading brands, has us highly optimistic for its future success.
'We’re proud to be working with an internationally recognised contractor, completing a first-rate team that we have assembled for this programme.'
This premium retail space is at the heart of Robert Hitchins's ambitious vision for the 300-acre site in Ashchurch, which welcomed Dobbies in November 2022. Hundreds of new homes are currently being built nearby, too, thanks to a £20 million investment in the infrastructure and connectivity works at the location.
The scheme was designed by Gloucestershire architects, Roberts Limbrick, and will be leased by leading outlet retail specialist, Realm, which will also be responsible for asset and property management once the project is complete.
Cotswolds Designer Outlet is expected to open in spring 2025, creating an estimated 500 new retail job opportunities for the area.
