Planning permission for designer outlet in Grantham

Grantham Designer Outlet has received full planning permission for its 270,000 square foot outlet scheme, with work expected to start in spring 2019.

Situated close to the A1, the outlet village represents a 100 million pounds investment to the local area and will house more than 130 stores and create over 1,500 retail and leisure related jobs when it opens in spring 2021.

The project, which has been designed to “complement the existing town centre retail” offering is headed up by designer outlet village developers Rioja Developments and family-owned, local property investment business Buckminster, and will offer luxury brands, alongside cafes, restaurants and public spaces with play areas.

The plans also includes a direct link onto the new Southern Relief Road for easy access from the A1, as well as a bus service to connect the railway station and Grantham town centre, as well as 1,800 parking spaces.

“Grantham Designer Outlet presents a unique opportunity for premium brands to bring their outlet offerings to an affluent audience that currently lacks easy access to this kind of retail destination,” said Giles Membrey, managing director of Rioja Development in a press release. “It is one of the last gaps in the market for a premium outlet village of this size and may well be the last of this style to be developed in the UK. We are very excited to be underway, particularly given the positive response that we are already seeing from brands.”

Stephen Vickers, managing director of Buckminster, added: "The outlet village will be an ideal partner to the town centre, attracting visitors from further afield and, in turn, helping to drive a new audience into the town. We estimate over 3.5 million visitors to the scheme annually, which will have a hugely positive impact on the local economy.”