The project will create 500 new jobs for the local area in the county of Kent. Forming part of the Ashford Big 8 and opening in fall 2019, the expansion will add 50 new luxury and premium brands for shoppers, attracting five million visitors per year by 2023.
Gerry Clarkson, Leader of the Ashford Borough Council, said: “The expansion of the Designer Outlet will transform it into one of the UK’s premier outlet centers, enhancing the shopping experience and providing a complementary offer to our town center. This illustrates the confidence that major investors have in Ashford and the borough’s future. It is clear that we are gaining a growing reputation as a town attracting inward investment and high-caliber, quality brands.”
Peter Corr, Center Manager of McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, added: “Together with our local area colleagues, we are working hard to put Destination Ashford on the map as one of the UK’s major visitor destinations. Our expansion is an incredibly exciting project for the local area and proudly forms part of the Ashford Big 8.”
This will be the outlet’s first extension since opening in 2000. The existing 17,200 sq m was designed by architect Richard Rogers, who is famous for the Lloyd’s building in London as well as The O2 Arena.
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