McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford officially launched its 100,000 sq. ft. expansion on 7^th November, marking the completion of the centre’s first extension since it opened in 2000.

The new phase makes the centre one of the South of England’s biggest outlets, with over 130 premium brands, restaurants and cafes. It is also one of the world’s greenest shopping centres, home to Europe’s largest living wall installation that comprises over 120,000 plants.

The expansion has introduced over 40 new stores, a new food piazza, an events space, a digitally-enhanced children’s playground and 725 additional parking spaces.

The £90 million project, which creates approximately 500 new jobs, is one of several major projects highlighted by Ashford Borough Council and Kent County Council as key employment and economic drivers in the development of the town.

Peter Corr, McArthurGlen Ashford’s Centre Manager, said: “We are excited to be able to welcome customers to our beautiful new centre.  This new phase will strengthen our position as the South of England’s go-to destination for fashion, food and homeware.”

Located just 38-minutes from London, Ashford Designer Outlet boasts a unique tented retail structure that was designed by renowned architect Richard Rogers, who is famous for the Lloyd’s building in London as well as The O2 Arena.

McArthurGlen operates five additional centres in the UK, including the first designer outlet in Europe – McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks near Manchester – which opened in 1995. The group is currently constructing a seventh centre in the UK, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands, an exciting new retail and leisure destination near Birmingham, opening in 2020.