CONSTRUCTION is progressing on a new designer outlet in the area, with property company Robert Hitchins announcing a key update nine months into the build programme.

With less than a year to go until the phase one opening of Cotswolds Designer Outlet in spring next year, the scheme is already 75 per cent exchanged or in legals to fashion, lifestyle, sport and food and beverage brands.

Almost 90 per cent of steel frame structures are now complete, and around 6,000 steel beams and columns have already been installed.

Following the completion of the steel structures, the next stages of the programme will include completing the building envelopes, followed by externals and landscaping before units are handed over to the new tenants for internal fitouts.

Once finished, Cotswolds Designer Outlet in Tewkesbury is expected to create up to 500 new retail jobs across 55+ individual stores and restaurants, as well as in the management and operations of the outlet centre itself.

Real estate company Multi-Realm is currently recruiting for key roles within the management team, including operations manager and marketing and engagement manager.

“We’ve had a very positive response from retailers and food and beverage operators who want to be part of the opening line-up at one of the only new outlet destinations opening in the UK next year and a chance to showcase their brands in this ‘gateway to the Cotswolds,’” said Christine Grace, leasing director at Multi-Realm.

“It is testament to the quality of the Cotswolds Designer Outlet design and location and the premium guest experience we’re creating that we are already 75 per cent exchanged or in legals this far ahead of opening.”

“There’s been a tremendous effort behind the scenes from the team at Robert Hitchins and our leasing and operating partner Multi-Realm to curate a line-up of fashion, lifestyle, homewares, sports and food and beverage brands that will make Cotswolds Designer Outlet a must-visit destination and day out,” added Simon Tothill, property and development director at Robert Hitchins.

“Our site team has been incredibly busy powering through key stages of this programme, from the steel frames to the scaffolding and from groundworks to roofing,” said John Boughton, managing director for the South West and Wales at construction and property development firm Bouygues UK.

“On average, we have around 100 people working on site each day.”