Frasers Plus Designer Outlet East Midlands has marked the latest milestone in its ongoing partnership with Kids’ Village, as the charity has launched the first prototype lodge at its 30-acre site in Burton-on-Trent.
Kids’ Village is creating a purpose-built holiday village for critically ill children and their families, providing a place to spend precious time together away from hospitals and treatment. The village is due to open in summer 2027.
The outlet has been a long-term supporter of Kids’ Village, donating more than £37,000 since naming it their charity of the year in January 2025. In 2026 alone, it committed to donating a further £10,000, while team members took on fundraising challenges and supported the charity’s first-ever volunteer day last May.
Building on this support, representatives from the outlet are set to join Kids’ Village’s corporate partners for a VIP walkthrough of the newly built prototype in the coming weeks. Designed with children at its heart, the four-bedroom lodge sleeps up to eight and includes a larger “magic room” for the child who is ill, alongside a “thank you room” for someone who has supported the family.
Founded by Sam Fletcher-Goodwin following her own experience of cancer as a child, Kids’ Village will feature 10 four-bedroom, eco-built lodges alongside a central facility, Charlotte’s Village. Once open, stays will be completely free for critically ill children and their families, with the village having the capacity to support 500 families each year. With ambitions to roll out the programme across the UK, Kids’ Village is looking forward to opening its flagship village next year.
The visit is in conjunction with the charity reaching its £5 million capital appeal target in December 2025 marking another major step towards welcoming its first families. The partnership reflects the outlet’s wider commitment to creating a positive social impact, using its platform, resources and team to support communities across the region.
Paul Sutton, centre manager at Frasers Plus Designer Outlet East Midlands, said: “Seeing the first lodge will be an incredibly exciting moment, and we all can’t wait to see it bought to life.
“We’re proud of our ongoing partnership with Kids’ Village, from fundraising and donations to volunteering at the site, and look forward to continuing to support the charity as it moves towards opening in summer 2027.”
Sam Fletcher-Goodwin, founder of Kids’ Village, said: “The first prototype lodge is a hugely important milestone and an opportunity for our partners to see the vision they have helped bring to life.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support of Frasers Plus Designer Outlet East Midlands and its team as we work towards welcoming our first families in 2027.”
Those wishing to find out more and support Kids’ Village can donate via our website here: https://frasersplus.com/destinations/eastmidlands/whats-on/kids-village
