MAPIC 2013: Ashford Designer Outlet, part of the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet portfolio in the UK, is set to double in size, adding an additional 150,000 sq ft to the Kent scheme.
McArthurGlen expects to submit a planning application in early 2014 to expand its current 183,000 sq ft of shops to around 333,000 sq ft.
Work is anticipated to start in late 2014 with a planned opening at the end of 2016.
It comes as works are due to start this autumn at McArthurGlen’s Swindon Designer Outlet. The £35m relaunch of the scheme will see the renovation of the historic Long Shop building and the addition of nearly 50,000 sq ft of retail space (around 30 stores).
Gary Bond, McArthurGlen’s managing director, development, said: “With the planned expansion, we are looking to create the next generation of designer outlet, reflecting the quality of our flagship McArthurGlen Designer Outlets in continental Europe, and taking the customer experience to a new level, bringing in exciting new brands, as well as café and restaurant concepts.
“We will continue with the village-style theme of the centre, while at the same time bringing a new freshness to the whole centre, making it a very individual shopping experience, together with the most sought-after brands on offer and the year-round savings of 60%.”
Annabel.Dixon@estatesgazette.com
