Cotswolds designer outlet officially opens to public

Cotswolds Designer Outlet has opened to the public, offering a mix of fashion, lifestyle and food brands alongside family-friendly facilities.

The new outlet, developed by Robert Hitchins and managed by Multi-Realm, is located just off Junction 9 of the M5, on the edge of Tewkesbury.

More than 50 national and international brands have joined the site, including Tommy Hilfiger, Reiss, The North Face, Sweaty Betty, Puma, Adidas, Rituals, The Perfume Shop, Marks and Spencer and ProCook.

Food outlets include Five Guys, Pret A Manger, 200 Degrees, Zizzi, Wagamama and Caffè Nero, alongside local firms Kneed Bakery and the Patisserie Box.

The development also features indoor and outdoor play areas, family changing facilities and dog-friendly elements, including a wild walk meadow and a “dog stick library”.

With phase one now 98% let, planning is under way for a second phase, which would add 50,000 square feet of additional retail and leisure space.

Multi-Realm leasing director Christine Grace said: “Cotswolds Designer Outlet is set to become one of the ‘must visit’ retail and leisure destinations in the UK, offering a hugely compelling mix of international, national and local brands, as well as a fantastic range of food and drink options, all complemented by the carefully curated design.

“For an asset of this scale to be 98% let on the day of opening is unprecedented, and really demonstrates the strength of demand from brands for space at this site. This is a one of a kind asset, and we can’t wait to share what we’ve produced with our customers.”

Simon Tothill, property and development director at Robert Hitchins, added: “Located at the gateway to the Cotswolds, this is an outstanding destination which has been meticulously designed and delivered to exacting standards.

“It has taken a lot of work over many years to get to this point, and the opening of this asset is a landmark milestone both for the local area and for the UK retail sector as a whole.”