McArthurGlen explores plans for York Designer Outlet expansion

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jun 21, 2019

McArthurGlen has launched a public consultation to get views and feedback on plans to expand its Designer Outlet in York.

The expansion could add as many as 25 new shops and restaurants to the retail scheme, and create around 500 retail and construction jobs. McArthurGlen also said it could generate £3.6 million in additional employment income.

The designer outlet centre currently houses international brands including Michael Kors, Reiss, Polo Ralph Lauren, Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, Kurt Geiger and Paul Smith. It has a total of 120 retail units and covers almost 350,000 square feet.

McArthurGlen also operates designer outlets in Cheshire Oaks, Ashford, Bridgend, Swindon, York, Mansfield and Livingston, and is working on a further development in Cannock.

The York expansion plans include building 630 new parking spaces and an improved Park & Ride facility. According to media reports, this would reduce road congestion and improve conditions for the centre’s 4.5 million visitors.

“We are excited to talk to shoppers and local residents about our proposals which will create an even better shopping experience and also help to resolve the pressures on parking that we sometimes experience,” said Mike Thomas, centre manager at York Designer Outlet.

"By improving and relocating the Park & Ride facility, which has been a huge success story, we’ll also be able to commit to its long-term future on our site – ensuring its environmental and congestion benefits are in place for decades to come.

“We’re proud to have been a successful part of York’s retail offer for over 20 years and are looking forward to delivering a significant investment here that signals our confidence in the city and will create hundreds of new jobs.”

In a UK retail sector facing several headwinds, outlet centres appear to be faring better than shopping centres and even outperforming the wider retail market, according to data from CBRE.

Their offer of discounted prices is resonating well with British shoppers, who remain cautious ahead of Brexit.