Construction at a new Gloucestershire shopping centre is set to to start as regional property developer Robert Hitchins appoints a builder.
International construction company Bouygues UK will deliver the first phase of Cotswolds Designer Outlet, in Ashchurch, Tewkesbury. The firm will start construction next month (November 2023) ahead of a Spring 2025 opening. The construction project is expected to create more than 300 jobs, while the outlet centre is likely to create up to 500 new retail job opportunities for the area.
The outlet destination will introduce fashion, lifestyle, homewares, sport, outdoors and F&B brands. Tapping into the tourism market that the area’s historic and cultural attractions generate, Cotswolds Designer Outlet, Robert Hitchins hopes, will form part of a 'full day out' experience in the Cotswolds.
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The developer said it has long term aspirations to create a premium retail outlet in this location, which benefits from strong connectivity by road, with Ashchurch for Tewkesbury Railway Station within a five-minute walk from site, as well as a new shuttle bus service to connect with Tewkesbury. Cotswolds Designer Outlet will serve a large area, being situated between Bristol and Birmingham off the M5 motorway.
Property and development director Simon Tothill said: "We’ve had long-term aspirations to bring an outlet destination to this site, given the unique opportunity of its strategic location between Bristol and Birmingham, and with historic Tewkesbury right on our doorstep. We’re proud to be working with an internationally recognised contractor, completing a first-rate team that we have assembled for this programme. We look forward to sharing more milestones with the community, as we announce new construction jobs, and the new fashion, lifestyle and F&B brands that we will be bringing to this incredible location.”
Bouygues UK’s managing director for the South West and Wales, John Boughton added: “We can’t wait to get started on this project for Robert Hitchins, bringing both economic and social value to the area with an exciting new retail outlet and brand new facilities, set in stunning landscaped surroundings. As always, we are looking forward to involving the local community as much as possible, working with our local supply chain partners and employing a high percentage of local labour. We’ll be using innovative digital solutions including building information management (BIM) throughout the project, to ensure a high quality, efficient and collaborative delivery.”
Cotswolds Designer Outlet is part of Robert Hitchins’ long-term vision for this 300-acre site and follows the opening last year of the flagship Dobbies Garden centre, with Waitrose Foodhall and café. Robert Hitchins has also completed a £20m investment into infrastructure and connectivity works in the location. The scheme has been designed by architects Roberts Limbrick.
