McArthurGlen who operate Ashford Designer Outlet, have had the go ahead from Ashford Borough Council to expand so the outlet can welcome 38 new stores in 2018.
Currently, the outlet has 80 luxury and premium retailers including Tommy Hilfiger, Abercrombie & Fitch, Polo Ralph Lauren and Hugo Boss.
Managing director of development at McArthurGlen, Gary Bond, said: “With many major brands wanting to open at Ashford Designer Outlet, we are delighted to have obtained the support of Ashford Borough Council to deliver an even more compelling shopping experience to our customers in the Kent and London areas and the substantial number of tourists who visit.
“We are hugely excited about the opportunities that Ashford Phase 2 will bring to the town and to the wider county. We are now focused on the final stages required to enable building works to start next year.”
With the new expansion, the retail space will be taken to 285,000 sq ft which will include cafes in the centre, six new restaurants, a children’s play area, as well as 725 extra parking spaces.
Leader of Ashford Borough Council, Cllr Gerry Clarkson, said: “We are pleased to approve plans for the Designer Outlet expansion, which will transform it into one of the UK’s premier outlet centres. The expansion will bring nearly 40 stores including more of the best names in luxury, premium and designer fashion as well as creating a further 700 jobs, enhancing the whole shopping experience and providing stronger links with the town centre.”
The 38 new stores will create 500 jobs, and McArthurGlen will also be providing a shuttle bus which links the outlet, the town centre and train station during school holidays and at the weekend.
