Works continue at Cotswolds Designer Outlet with big retailer interest
Construction is progressing apace at Cotswolds Designer Outlet near Cheltenham as Robert Hitchins Ltd releases a project update nine months into the construction programme.
With less than a year to Phase One opening in Spring 2025, the scheme is now 75 per cent exchanged or in legals to high-quality fashion, sport, lifestyle and F&B brands.
In terms of construction, around 6,000 steel beams and columns have been installed, with nearly 90 per cent of steel frame structures complete.
Simon Tothill, property and development director, said: “There’s been remarkable progress on site being delivered by the team at Bouygues UK, and we’re delighted to share these new drone videos to truly give a sense of the scale and the setting of the new designer outlet destination.
“There’s been a tremendous effort behind the scenes from the team at Robert Hitchins, and our leasing and operating partner Multi-Realm, to curate a line-up of brands that will make Cotswolds Designer Outlet a must-visit destination and day out in this key location at Tewkesbury.
Christine Grace, leasing director at Multi-Realm, added: “We’ve had a very positive response from retailers and F&B operators who want to be part of the opening line-up at one of the only new outlet destinations opening in the UK next year, and a chance to showcase their brands in this ‘gateway to the Cotswolds’.
“It is testament to the quality of the Cotswolds Designer Outlet design, location and the premium guest experience we’re creating, that we are already 75 per cent exchanged or in legals this far ahead of opening.”
Following the completion of the steel structures, the next stages of the programme will include completing the building envelopes – followed by externals and landscaping – before units are handed over to the new tenants for their internal fit outs.
John Boughton, managing director for the South West and Wales at Bouygues UK, said: “Our site team has been incredibly busy powering through key stages of this programme, from the steel frames to the scaffolding, from ground works to roofing.
“On average, we have around 100 people working on site each day, and the stunning drone videos show just how far we’ve come.”
Once completed, Cotswolds Designer Outlet is expected to create up to 500 new retail jobs across more than 55 individual stores and restaurants, as well as in the management and operations of the outlet centre itself.
Multi-Realm is currently recruiting for key roles within the management team, including operations manager and marketing and engagement manager.