Bouygues UK has officially handed over the first phase of the Cotswolds Designer Outlet in Tewkesbury to regional developer and investor Robert Hitchins Ltd, with the new retail destination opening its doors to the public for the first time.

As lead contractor, Bouygues UK delivered 136,000 sq ft of retail and food and beverage space, hosting 56 brands including BOSS, Adidas, Cadbury, Radley, and Sweaty Betty. Located at Junction 9 of the M5 motorway, the outlet aims to attract shoppers from across the region, serving a wide catchment area between Bristol and Birmingham, as well as tourists visiting the nearby Cotswolds and historic Tewkesbury.

Sustainability was a key focus throughout construction. The build used 330m³ of timber sourced from responsibly managed forests, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). The project also employed Gaia AI technology to monitor and reduce power consumption in site cabins, cutting carbon emissions and electricity costs by 53%.

-- Advertisement --

The site team received top marks in its recent Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) assessment, reflecting the project’s strong commitment to the local community, environment, and workforce. The CCS promotes higher standards in construction and helps build public trust.

John Boughton, Managing Director for Bouygues UK in the South West and Wales, said: "It's fantastic to complete work on the first phase of the Cotswolds Designer Outlet. It’s been a collaborative journey, with strong local partnerships and a commitment to quality. We are confident the space will bring long-lasting economic and social value to the region with hundreds of jobs created.

"We recognise that through working closely with our clients, supply chain partners and employees, we can help reduce our impact on the environment and bring sustainable benefits to the communities we work in."

Beyond construction, Bouygues UK has invested in education and community engagement, working closely with local schools, colleges, and universities. Initiatives included site tours for Tewkesbury Academy, Norton College, and the University of Gloucestershire, as well as mock interviews, career fairs, and workshops focused on teamwork, communication, and trust.

The company also partnered with Skanska to boost STEM engagement, running workshops for Year 10 maths students to show the real-world applications of subjects like mathematics in construction careers.