Ashford Designer Outlet Expansion Open
Posted on 14 November 2019McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford officially launched its 100,000sq. ft. expansion with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by Peter Corr, Centre Manager on November 7, 2019. The expansion strengthens the centre’s position as the South of England’s go-to destination for fashion, food and homeware, with over 130 premium brands, restaurants, cafes and guest experiences.
Developed by Europe’s leading designer outlet group, McArthurGlen, the expansion is one of Ashford Borough Council’s “Big 8” Projects and was highlighted as key employment and economic drivers in the development of the town. The new site will create approximately 500 jobs within the Ashford local community.
The new phase will elevate the whole shopping experience for our guests and will attract new shoppers locally, from London and also internationally.
Peter Corr, Centre Manager of McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford
Peter Corr, Centre Manager of McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford comments: “As South East England’s leading designer outlet, and just over 30 minutes from London, our centre has seen 18 years of growth and evolution. We welcome over 3.6 million visitors every year and in response to market demand, this autumn we are launching a new phase that will elevate the whole shopping experience for our guests and the retail environment for our brand partners. This spectacular living wall installation is a key feature of this exciting expansion that will attract new shoppers locally, from London and also internationally.”
Europe’s largest living wall
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford has partnered with leading green infrastructure company, Biotecture to create Europe’s largest living wall installation featuring 120,000 plants.
The £1.5 million living wall installation which required 120,000 plants for the project - equating to the length of 60 double decker buses – _will vertically cover 25,000 sq. ft., spanning across the walls of the new entry promenade, various walkways and many of the new stores. The wall will include leafy greens, background foliage, plus seasonal pops of colour selected specifically to create clean air zones.
The living walls enhance the ambience and will also improve air quality and biodiversity.
Richard Sabin, Managing Director, Biotecture
According to Biotecture, living walls have been proven to help uplift moods, reduce air pollution and aid biodiversity.
Richard Sabin, Managing Director, Biotecture, comments: It’s wonderful to see nature having such a prominent role in the shopping centre’s expansion. Not only will the living walls enhance the ambience, they will improve air quality and biodiversity.
The Garden of Light
In celebration of the centre’s living wall creation, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford has partnered with Pixel Artworks to create The Garden of Light. The design has been inspired by Kent’s rich heritage and allows guests to immerse themselves in a playful interactive visualisation of natural energy flows natural energy flows. The experiential space encourages visitors to discover and explore the engaging, joyful connection between the natural and digital world.
We have explored the boundaries of motion design and real-time graphics, effectively creating a living game-like environment, full of discovery and play.
Riaz Farooq, Creative Director, Pixel Artworks
Riaz Farooq, Creative Director, Pixel Artworks, also comments: “Producing The Garden of Light has truly been a creative journey through a multitude of artistic and technological disciplines. Collectively we have explored the boundaries of motion design and real-time graphics, effectively creating a living game-like environment, full of discovery and play.”
New stores opening at the Ashford Designer Outlet
- UGG
- Joules
- Dr. Martens
- Dune
- Karl Lagerfeld
- Hugo Boss
- Sandro
- Maje
- Reiss
- Armani
- Gant
- Under Armour
- Reiss
- Coach
- Cosmetics Company
- Bedeck
- Calendar Club
- Haribo
- Puma
- Tempur
New restaurants opening
- Starbucks
- Five Guys
- Comptoir Libanais
