RECOMMENDED | Huge new Designer Shopping Outlet to open in Spring 2025 while construction work is underway

Cheltenham-based developer Robert Hitchins Ltd unveiled plans to build Cotswolds Designer Outlet at Junction 9 of the M5 motorway in Gloucestershire a few years ago.

The 180,000 m² outlet village will open in two phases and will have approximately 90 retail units, restaurants and cafes.

Construction work has now started at the location.

The architecturally attractive designer village will benefit from a significant local catchment area, millions of vehicles passing near the site each year and high visitor numbers to one of Britain’s top tourist regions.

Local shoppers living in the area are expected to account for more than half of total annual sales, with passing traffic and tourism expected to provide the rest.

The scheme is part of a wider retail development, which includes a new 81,800 sq ft Dobbies garden center now open, alongside an existing M&S supermarket, Starbucks and a BP petrol station, which together will provide additional attractions to the site.

A planning application for 850 homes, schools and local centers in the south has also been submitted and is awaiting approval.

Cotswolds Designer Outlet will offer aspirational fashion, athleisure, footwear and lifestyle brands at up to 70% off RRP all year round, along with quality restaurants and coffee shops.

The project will be an easily accessible, aspirational premium outlet village, serving affluent towns and cities along the Bristol to Birmingham corridor, including Cheltenham, Worcester, Solihull and Hereford.

Simon Tothill, Property & Development Director of Robert Hitchins Ltd, said:

“Cotswolds Designer Outlet will be a striking development that reflects the architecture and materials of the historic towns and villages of the Cotswolds. We will create a state-of-the-art shopping destination with contemporary and adaptable units suitable for the needs of modern retail and dining. With comfortable and welcoming surroundings, this will make an unforgettable addition to a day out in the Cotswolds.

“We are very excited about the development plans and look forward to completing the scheme and welcoming customers from far and wide.”

More than 9.8 million people live within a 90-minute drive of the site and the population within 60 minutes is approximately 42 percent greater than the average of other UK outlet centres.

The catchment area within a 30 minute drive is particularly prosperous and growing rapidly and will account for up to half of visitor numbers.

The development will be one of the most accessible shopping and leisure destinations in Britain for both residents and visitors to the area. In addition to the nearby M5 motorway, the site borders the A46 main road, which connects to the M42. As a result, more than 21 million vehicles pass through the development every year. In addition, the location is close to Ashchurch-for-Tewkesbury railway station on the Bristol-Birmingham main line.

The Cotswolds Area of ​​Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) attracts more than 23 million visitors every year. Major tourist attractions in the region include the historic towns of Tewkesbury, Cheltenham and Worcester, as well as the Cotswolds, Forest of Dean and Malvern Hills.

More details – https://cotswoldsdesigneroutlet.com/news-1/designer-outlet-cotswolds-launch-highlights-growth-potential-for-the-uk-retail-sector