Bowmer & Kirkland (B&K) is to begin work on a new £160 million retail designer outlet in Cannock, West Midlands.

McArthurGlen has confirmed site preparation and earth works will begin this month to create a landmark 285,000 sq ft retail destination and community hub for the area.

In December 2017 McArthurGlen announced a joint venture with Aviva Investors, The Richardson Family and U+I to develop Cannock Designer Outlet. The first phase of the scheme will feature 80 premium and luxury brands along with a selection of restaurants and cafes, a children's play area, bike parking for cyclists and 1,400 car parking spaces. Completion is scheduled for 2020.


The investment will also include enhancement and ongoing maintenance of the Mill Green Nature Park, improvements to Cannock Town Centre and the railway station, and support for developing skills and employment prospects for local people.

Gary Bond, Joint Managing Director of Development at McArthurGlen, said: "We are thrilled to start construction on this milestone development for Cannock. The new centre will generate significant employment for the local area and create a new retail destination for the region, serving 11 million local residents. Cannock Designer Outlet will be built to the highest standards of architectural design and sustainability, reflecting and respecting the the surrounding natural landscape."

Council Leader George Adamson added: "The reality of creating one of the most significant things to happen in the district in recent memory is definitely here now, with this exciting news. As construction commences we will be working closely with McArthurGlen to ensure that disruption is kept to the minimum for our residents, as we progress to a development we can all be very proud about."

(LM)