Construction has begun on a new flagship Dobbies Garden Centre at Cotswolds Designer Outlet, the new premium retail and leisure destination.
When complete in autumn 2022, the 74,000 sq ft Dobbies Garden Centre will be the largest in South West England and is expected to serve more than 750,000 customers each year.
The centre will serve as the leisure anchor for Cotswolds Designer Outlet, featuring Dobbies’ full range including plants and houseplants, gardening accessories and products, outdoor living, pets, gifting and toys, as well as a cookshop, home décor, and a 10,000 sq ft restaurant.
Cotswolds Designer Outlet, which is currently under construction, is a 180-acre mixed-use scheme by leading developer Robert Hitchins Ltd.
Graeme Jenkins, chief executive officer of Dobbies Garden Centres, said: “At Dobbies, we are committed to delivering our growth strategy and this is an exciting milestone in our plans.
“We are focused on a customer-first approach, and those visiting will be able to enjoy a full day of shopping and dining, with the UK’s latest retail destination, featuring household name premium fashion brands, just a short walk away. It will be an exceptional shopper experience.”
Simon Tothill, property and development director of Robert Hitchins Ltd, said: “ We are pleased to be working with Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer. Having them as our leisure anchor is a major asset to our scheme and a reflection both of the need for a mix of uses in retail destinations and the surge in popularity of gardening. Momentum is gathering for Cotswolds Designer Outlet, which will delight guests when it opens its doors in 2023. Working with Realm, we are seeing very promising levels of interest from brands who are excited by the compelling prospects that Cotswolds Designer Outlet offers.”
