McArthurGlen confirms details for Ashford expansion

McArthurGlen has confirmed that the planned 100,000 square foot extension to its Ashford Designer Outlet expansion will open in autumn 2019, following the appointment of McLaren Construction as the contractor to build the 90 million pound extension.

Building work on the phase II expansion will begin later this month and forms part of the McArthurGlen Group’s 1.6 million square foot active development pipeline coming through over the next three years across Europe and Canada.

McArthurGlen first announced plans to expand the Ashford Designer Outlet in 2014 and secured planning approval from Ashford Borough Council in September 2015. The 100,000 square foot extension will add up to 50 additional premium and luxury brands, a new food piazza, an events space and a redesigned children’s play area, as well as 725 new parking spaces.

The expansion will also include the installation of Europe’s largest living wall structure and many of the stores in the new phase will be clad in tens of thousands of plants, all stacked vertically.

Claude Hargreave, director of development at McArthurGlen, said: “After four years of meticulous planning we’re incredibly excited to confirm that building works on the extension will commence this January.

“Over the next 18 months we will be investing 90 million pounds into the centre to elevate the whole shopping experience for our guests and the retail environment for our brand partners. Once the extension is complete Ashford Designer Outlet will become one of the UK’s flagship fashion, food and homeware destinations, with over 130 stores, restaurants and cafes.“

This will be Ashford Designer Outlet's first extension since opening in 2000, adding to the existing 185,000 square foot centre, which attracts more than 3.6 million visitors every year.

Several new premium and luxury brands have already signed up to join Ashford Designer Outlet when it opens next year, which will be announced at a later date.

Ashford Designer Outlet to start work on 100,000 square foot expansion this month

Adrian Nelson, McArthurGlen’s Group leasing and brand development director added: “We are committed to expanding the extensive range of brands already on offer. In the past three years alone we’ve introduced highly sought-after brands including Calvin Klein, All Saints, Diesel, Cath Kidston, Osprey London, Jack Wills, Timberland and Abercrombie & Fitch.”

The expansion of Ashford Designer Outlet is one of eight major projects highlighted by Ashford Borough Council and Kent County Council as key employment and economic drivers in the development of the area. Generating over 500 jobs, the expansion will also include a complimentary shuttle bus linking the outlet, the town centre and the international train station at weekends and during the school holidays. McArthurGlen is also providing funds for the enhancement of pedestrian and cycle routes from the station.

Cllr Gerry Clarkson, leader of Ashford Borough Council, said: “We are pleased to hear McArthurGlen announce its building contractor and confirm that building works will commence shortly. 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.

“This news 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-calibre, quality brands.”

McArthurGlen is one of Europe’s leading owner of designer outlets, managing 24 locations across nine countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK. As part of its on-going expansion, McArthurGlen is also under way or in planning with new designer outlets in: Cannock, near Birmingham in the UK, Remscheid, near the German cities of Cologne and Düsseldorf, Málaga in southern Spain and one near Paris in Normandie.

Images: courtesy of McArthurGlen