The grand opening of the UK's only major new outlet retail destination in 2025 is edging ever closer as Cotswolds Designer Outlet announces a series of new lettings. Leading the pack is global fashion label BOSS, joined by an array of brands spanning fashion, athleisure, beauty, homewares, and dining, including Marks & Spencer, Adidas, Levi's, GUESS, and Radley, with more names set to be revealed in the coming weeks.
Those behind the Cotswolds Designer Outlet say there has been overwhelming interest from brands, ensuring it will be nearly fully occupied when it opens its doors this summer. This is a significant endorsement of the UK outlet market and underscores the ongoing appeal of the sector among occupiers, bosses say.
The successful delivery of Phase 1 has been overseen by regional developer and investor Robert Hitchins and Multi-Realm, specialists in managing retail and leisure destinations. The outlet's prime location, just off Junction 9 of the M5 and on the doorstep of Tewkesbury, equidistant from Bristol and Birmingham, and within easy reach of towns and surrounding Cotswolds villages, makes it particularly attractive to brands looking to tap into a substantial regional and tourist catchment for their UK market positioning.
The Cotswolds Designer Outlet is a key part of a broader, long-term vision for the area, aiming to bring significant investment to the region. The project includes approximately 260,000 sq ft of retail, food and beverage, and leisure space, encompassing both the outlet and the Dobbies Garden Centre.
In keeping with its location at the entrance to the Cotswolds, the development has been thoughtfully designed, drawing inspiration from traditional Cotswold architecture and materials. It will also feature a wildflower meadow and other native planting and landscaping to integrate the development into its surroundings. Dog-friendly shopping and a focus on wellbeing are central to the operation, with plans for 'motorway-pause' walking routes, relaxation seating areas, and dedicated children's play spaces.
In total, 110,000 sq ft of Phase 1 has been committed (exchanged) by 44 brands to date with more to be announced soon. The scheme is on target to have let 98% of GLA (gross leasable area) ahead of opening. In addition to BOSS, M&S, Adidas, and Levi’s, the national and international brands currently fitting out and recruiting include: French Connection, Ben Sherman, Dune, Crew, Under Armour, Sweaty Betty, PUMA, Skechers, Timberland, Merrell, Regatta, Mountain Warehouse, Rituals, Tefal, Bedeck, The Perfume Shop, Denby, ProCook, Wagamamas, Five Guys, Zizzi, Pret a Manger, 200 Degrees, and Caffe Nero. Knead Bakery will expand with its first outlet location.
Following the success of the initial phase, developers Robert Hitchins and Multi-Realm are poised to accelerate the launch of Phase 2 of the Cotswolds Designer Outlet, adding approximately 50,000 square feet to the shopping area.
Adorning the gateway to the Cotswolds Designer Outlet is the Dobbies Garden Centre, which welcomed its first customers in 2022 and boasts a Little Seedlings soft play area and a sizable 10,000 square foot restaurant. Alongside this, leading homebuilders Persimmon, Charles Church, Barratt Homes, and Vistry are crafting over 1,500 new homes, complete with community amenities, within the large 250-acre project orchestrated by Robert Hitchins – all set against a backdrop of planning approvals, infrastructural enhancements, and improved connectivity projects already established.
The collective scheme is set to deliver a significant economic boost, creating hundreds of jobs and establishing a must-visit destination that will enhance the already thriving Cotswolds tourism economy. It aims to cater not only to regional and local visitors but also to attract tourists from further afield.
Simon Tothill, Property & Development Director at Robert Hitchins Ltd, said: “We have curated the line-up of Cotswolds Designer Outlet to offer the best of British and international fashion brands like BOSS, M&S, Adidas, Levi’s, Radley, and GUESS as well as other popular homewares, leisure, and lifestyle names, in a classic Cotswolds setting with an elevated customer-focused environment. To launch a new retail scheme that is nearly fully let is a real message of confidence from retail brands who can see the huge potential for a fresh, modern outlet retail destination that sets a new bar for the industry.”
Christine Grace, Leasing Director at outlet specialist Multi-Realm adds: “To deliver an almost fully let retail destination of this scale three months ahead of completion is testament to the appeal of the Cotswold Designer Outlet and to the vision and commitment of the team working on this project. Together with Robert Hitchins, we have worked hard to create a perfect blend of leading names, bringing the very best global labels and brands to the scheme.”
“The announcement demonstrates that there remains strong demand amongst occupiers for high-quality sites in convenient locations and highlights the ongoing attractiveness of the outlet sector amongst brands and investors. The success of this scheme proves that there remains a bright future for physical retail, but only if you curate an attractive and compelling space and have the relationships and data-driven approach needed to sign up global brands.”
More than 9.8 million people live within 90 minutes’ drive of the site, and the population within 60 minutes is some 42 percent greater in number than the average for other UK outlet centres. The catchment within 30 minutes’ drive time is particularly affluent and fast-growing and will represent up to half of the visitor numbers.
The development will be one of the most accessible retail and leisure destinations in the UK for residents and visitors to the area alike. As well as the nearby M5 motorway, the site is adjacent to the A46 trunk road which links to the M42. As a result, more than 21 million vehicles pass the development each year. Additionally, the site is close to Ashchurch-for-Tewkesbury railway station on the main Bristol–Birmingham main line.
The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) attracts over 23 million visitors annually. Major tourist attractions within the region include the historic towns of Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, and Worcester as well as the Cotswolds, Forest of Dean, and Malvern Hills.
With the Cotswolds Designer Outlet set to open its doors in July 2025, the excitement is palpable as shoppers eagerly anticipate the unveiling of this modern retail haven.
