Bouygues UK has been appointed by regional property developer Robert Hitchins Ltd as the main contractor to deliver the first phase of Cotswolds Designer Outlet in Tewkesbury, creating 136,000sq ft of retail and food and beverage space for 56 new brands.
Cotswolds Designer Outlet will be delivered in two phases, and when fully complete, will create a 185,000sq ft outlet destination with over 90 high-quality fashion, lifestyle and food and beverage brands. Construction is due to commence in November 2023 ahead of a Spring 2025 opening.
Offering a unique retail experience in an easily accessible location on Junction 9 of the M5 motorway, the design outlet will serve the significant catchment area between Bristol and Birmingham as well as tourists visiting the Cotswolds, with the historic town of Tewkesbury on its doorstep.
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.
Bouygues UK’s Managing Director for the West and Wales, John Boughton said: "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 sits at the heart of Robert Hitchins’ long-term vision for a significant, mixed-use development programme across a 300acre site, bringing forward retail, food and beverage, leisure, community play areas and new homes in a strategic location.
Property & Development Director at Robert Hitchins, Simon Tothill added: "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.
"With an internationally renowned contractor now in place, we have assembled a first-rate team to bring forward our unique vision for a premium designer outlet destination and are delighted to be commencing construction."
Designed by architects Roberts Limbrick, the scheme’s design has been influenced by the area’s architectural surroundings and inspired by local materials to create a contemporary Cotswolds style balancing modern with traditional. Leading outlet retail specialist Realm is leasing the scheme and will be the asset and property managers upon completion.