Developer and investor Robert Hitchins Ltd and the specialist manager of retail and leisure destinations, Multi-Realm, have signed up a further tranche of brands at the Cotswolds Designer Outlet, a month ahead of opening. This means that the multi-million pound designer outlet is now 97% exchanged, an unprecedented achievement for an asset of its scale.
The string of new lettings at the scheme, the only major new retail destination to open in 2025, equates to a further 13,500 sq ft of space let, bringing the total lettings to 132,700sq ft – with one more brand in solicitors’ hands – and only one store remaining.
The hugely positive leasing activity represents a major vote of confidence in the UK outlet market and highlights the continued attractiveness of the sector amongst occupiers.
The Cotswolds Designer Outlet will open with a series of launch days, starting on 16th July, as part of a planned and phased approach to opening that will peak in August in time for the influx of regional tourists.
A total of 52 brands have signed up, including an impressive roster of national and international names:
- Leading fashion labels – Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Reiss, Boss, GUESS, Crew, Radley, French Connection, Ben Sherman, Levi’s, Dune and Hobbs
- Athleisure and outdoor brand names – The North Face, Under Armour, Sweaty Betty, PUMA, Adidas, Skechers, Timberland, Merrell and Regatta
- Lifestyle and homewares brands – Rituals, The Perfume Shop, Lindt, M&S, Tefal, Bedeck, Beauty Outlet, Perfume Shop and ProCook
A range of casual dining and to-go eateries complement the visitor experience, including Five Guys, Pret a Manger, 200 Degrees, Zizzi, Wagamama and Caffe Nero, while hugely popular local independent brand Knead Bakery, a “Great Taste” award-winning patisserie and eatery, will open its first outlet location at CDO.
Multi-Realm has been leading on the leasing activity at the designer outlet on behalf of the developer and owner Robert Hitchins Ltd and will manage and operate the asset once it is completed. With the successful leasing of Phase 1, which will provide a total of 136,000 sq ft of outlet shopping across 54 new stores, plans for Phase 2 of the scheme, which will see the designer outlet extend by a further c.50,000 sq ft, are underway.
The Cotswolds Designer Outlet is located just off Junction 9 of the M5, right on Tewkesbury’s doorstep, equidistant from Bristol and Birmingham, and within easy reach of affluent towns and surrounding Cotswolds villages.
Simon Tothill, property & development director at Robert Hitchins Ltd, said: “We have curated a compelling line up of British and international brands at the Cotswolds Designer Outlet, and we’re confident this new destination will provide a fantastic visitor experience. This is a large and very significant retail opening, so to be able to launch the centre essentially fully let is a real vote of confidence. CDO will be one of a kind, offering an elevated customer focused environment in a classic Cotswold setting.”
Christine Grace, leasing director, Multi-Realm, said: “We are fast approaching the biggest and most exciting retail opening of 2025. To be 97% exchanged a month from opening is unprecedented and demonstrates the unrivalled appeal of the Cotswolds Designer Outlet as a destination for brands and consumers alike. This is a real achievement and is testament to the commitment and vision of the team working on this project.
With the opening date now announced, it is all hands on deck as we prepare for a successful opening and to welcoming visitors to what will become one of the premier shopping and leisure venues in the UK.”
To reflect its setting on the edge of the Cotswolds, the scheme has been carefully designed and inspired by classic architecture and materials from the local area and will incorporate a wildflower meadow and other indigenous planting and landscaping to bed the development into its new home. The scheme will boast dog-friendly shopping with a specific focus on wellbeing central to its operation, with plans for ‘motorway-pause’ walking routes, chill out seating areas, and space set aside for children’s play.
Occupying a prominent position at the entrance to the Cotswolds Designer Outlet site is a Dobbie’s Garden Centre that includes a Little Seedlings soft play area for children and a 10,000sq ft restaurant, also developed and owned by Robert Hitchins Lt
