local economy
COTSWOLD DESIGNER OUTLET IS PART OF A WIDER DEVELOPMENT AND WILL BENEFIT THE LOCAL ECONOMY AND RESIDENTS OF TEWKESBURY IN A NUMBER OF WAYS
INCREASED EMPLOYMENT
Currently Dobbies employs 100 people and the building of the outlet centre will create a further 280 jobs. Once open and trading it is estimated the outlet will provide 580 jobs.
INCREASED TOURISM
With its location adjacent to the M5 and on the gateway to the Cotswolds, the outlet will serve as a natural stop point for long range journeys to the South West, in addition, as outlet shopping is so closely linked with leisure and tourism as a day out activity, there will be plenty of opportunities to establish the destination with coach trips and partner with other local attractions as a package. Tourism is estimated to contribute to over 40% of sales at the outlet village and opportunities for services such as taxis, home delivery, couriers and demand for local hotels is all expected to benefit the local economy.
NEW HOMES
Some of the country’s premier housebuilders are combining to create Fiddington Fields - with 1,310 new homes being built on the site - including affordable housing. The development will create a forward-looking community of family homes on the edge of the historic town of Tewkesbury. The inspiration for Fiddington Fields is to create a Garden Town that will embrace family life.
NEW AMENITIES
The housing development adjacent to the outlet will include a brand new primary school, a community centre, a sports pavillion, a play area and a contemporary version of a traditional public square, In addition improvements to paths and cycleways will provide better connections to Tewkesbury town centre and train station. The development will also house a children’s play area and picnic areas to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.
IMPROVED TRANSPORT LINKS
£20m has already been spent on road infrastructure works to minimise the impact of the development on traffic flows and ensure entry and exit to the site is as easy as possible. For those on foot or cycling, increased safety and dedicated crossings will ensure greater connectivity. The outlet will be equipped with a car park with over 2,000 spaces including electric vehicle charging points.
INCREASED REPUTATION AND INCLUSIVITY
Designer Outlets in the UK have matured into quality destinations filled with international and domestic brands each delivering high levels of customer service and retail and leisure experiences. Cotswold Designer Outlet stands to provide a further attraction to enhance Tewkesbury, its attractions and business parks. Outlets may well draw from further afield but in the last five years they have become far more inclusive with many events and links established with the local community. Running clubs will be able to partner with sports retailers, craft clubs and other local societies will be invited to use the outlet and its stores and eateries for social meetings and networking events as the scheme endeavors to be as inclusive as possible. The outlet will also establish relationships with local charities and support fundraising.
CHARITIES
The outlet will appoint a dedicated local charity to raise funds and offer support for increased awareness and general PR activity. This is already happening with Dobbies who have supported the Finn Academy as part of the Helping Your Community Grow Initiative.
SUSTAINABILITY
All of the retail stores and cafes will be subject to the most rigorous legislation limiting the use of single use materials and hardwiring recycling and re-use into the day to day running of the operations. Food operators will be signed up to the Too Good to Go programme and waste to landfill from the entire scheme will be targeted at zero.
COMMUNICATION
Once construction of the outlet has begun, a portal for local engagement and a newsletter database will be established so that enquiries from local suppliers, event providers and job applicants can all see exactly when opportunities will be made live. As the on site operational team are recruited, once construction is more advanced, strategic links with key stakeholders will be forged so that the mutual benefit of the development can be enjoyed by as many people and businesses as possible.
