McArthurGlen begins €102m expansion of designer outlet in Kent

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McArthurGlen has begun construction of a £90 mln (€102 mln) expansion of a designer outlet centre in the English county of Kent.

 

The expansion work will create 92,000 m2 at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford, adding 50 new brands to the current tally of 90. There will also be a new food piazza, 725 extra parking spaces, a new events space and redesigned children’s play area.

McArthurGlen has contracted McLaren Construction to carry out the work.

Forming part of the Ashford Big 8 urban development project, the additional space is due to open in autumn 2019. McArthurGlen said that the expanded centre will attract five million visitors to Ashford annually by 2023.

This will be Ashford Designer Outlet’s first extension since opening in 2000. The existing 17,187 m2 centre, which has the world’s largest tented retail structure, was designed by architect Richard Rogers who is famous for the Lloyd’s building in London as well as the O2 Arena.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on 29 March, Councillor Gerry Clarkson, leader of Ashford Borough Council, said: ‘The expansion of the Designer Outlet will transform it into one of the UK’s premier outlet centres, enhancing the shopping experience and providing a complementary offer to our town centre.’

 

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