Ashford Designer Outlet plans more retail space

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Feb 10, 2020

McArthurGlen’s Ashford Designer Outlet is planning to further expand its commercial space after launching a 100,000 sq ft extension in November last year.

According to local media reports, the outlet centre has submitted a large-scale planning application to build six glass-sided ‘kiosks’.

These will replace the existing food vans and temporary structures that have been in place during the part-closure of the centre during construction works, the document said.

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But the kiosks’ focus will go beyond food, with McArthurGlen managers saying the glass structures will be used for smaller brands and pop-up space. 

In addition to elevating the existing retail offer, the spaces will provide an opportunity for the outlet centre to attract new brands, offering new tenants the chance to take a smaller space within the centre before expanding to a permanent site. Efforts like these are important at a time when many retail brands are carefully considering whether opening new physical locations will pay off.

The six additional units will increase the on-site retail space by 4,122 sq ft, reported Kent Online.

Ashford Designer Outlet is already one of the biggest designer villages in the South of England, with over 130 premium brands, restaurants and cafes. A recent expansion unveiled in November delivered 40 new stores, a new food piazza, an events space and a digitally-enhanced children’s playground.