First pictures inside huge new Midlands designer shopping village
Construction & Build
New photos have given shoppers a their first glimpse inside a huge new shopping village set to open this spring in the Midlands.
Bowmer + Kirkland has been the main contractor on the £160 million project.
Located around an hour's drive from Derby, the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands is set to feature more than 80 shops, plus a number of restaurants.
The construction firm, which is based in Heage, near Belper, started work on the 11-hectare site in Cannock in July, 2018.
Despite the challenges which came with the Covid-19 pandemic, bosses say the project has been completed on time and on budget with a build period of 105 weeks.
Steve Chambers, Bowmer + Kirkland regional director, said: “It has been an honour to work on McArthurGlen’s latest retail destination for the UK.
"Despite various challenges, including a worldwide pandemic, the entire team has worked well together, to ensure we delivered – on time and in budget - a stunning new designer outlet for the Midlands.”
Although most of Bowmer + Kirkland's work was completed last year, they have remained on-site providing tenant support services during the shop fitting phase of huge complex.
Among more than 40 shops which have already been announced for the centre include high-end fashion brands Hugo Boss, Lacoste and Hobbs, and sports retailers Nike, Adidas and Under Armour.
Mike Thomas, centre manager at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands, said: “B+K did a great job building our new outlet and it was a pleasure working with them at every stage.
"We’re really proud of the new centre and cannot wait to welcome our first visitors.”
No exact opening date has yet been given for McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands. Non-essential shops currently remain closed as part of national restrictions amid the third Covid-19 lockdown.
The development borders a nature reserve and the scheme incorporates raised access walkways with viewing platforms.
Other features include an extensive play area, a multi-faith prayer room, a large courtyard for entertainment provision and a variety of squares and spaces for socialising.
The complex is under the same ownership as the East Midlands Designer Outlet in South Normanton, which recently announced its plans for reopening after the third lockdown.
The shopping village is creating around 1,000 new jobs, with the latest vacancies available to view here.
https://www.mcarthurglen.com/outlets/en/uk/designer-outlet-west-midlands/careers/?searchCriteria[0][key]=SiteSubDept1&searchCriteria[0][values][]=6073&languageSelect=uk
Written by Ben Lyons - Derbyshire Live