Go-ahead for shopping village Largest retail outlet of its kind in Midlands could attract top brands
PLANS for a “Bicester Village of the Midlands” have moved a step closer after proposals for a giant shopping hub were given the green light.
Mill Green Designer Outlet Village, which hopes to attract the likes of Ralph Lauren and Lacoste to a giant plot in Cannock, Staffordshire, now has full planning permission.
The outlet village is planned to open in early 2019 and has prompted much excitement locally.
Visitors will be allowed to use the nearby M6 Toll road for free.
Development partners U+I and Rioja Developments said they were planning the biggest development of its kind in the West Midlands.
The scheme will cost in excess of £110 million and will create more than 1,200 jobs. Bosses hope to attract popular brands like Cath Kidson, Boss and Jack Wills and sports giants Nike and Adidas.
Giles Membrey, Rioja Developments’ managing director, said: “This is a key stage on our journey to make our vision for the Mill Green development become reality.
“It’s a unique location in terms of both the commercial opportunity and surrounding landscape.
“We can now finalise our plans for the scheme before we make a start on site next year.”
Mill Green will now be developed on land next to a nature reserve in the Cannock countryside.
The outlet village will provide up to 130 designer stores, new restaurants and 2,000 car parking spaces.
Richard Upton, deputy chief executive at U+I, said it could generate an economic boost worth more than £500 million. He added: “We intend to create a unique experience in factory outlet retailing which will complement the beautiful environment, including a real focus on sustainability.”
Now work can begin, phase one of the development could start by the autumn 2017, with an anticipated opening in spring 2019.
Councillor George Adamson, leader of Cannock Chase Council, said: “It is fantastic news to hear that full planning permission has been granted for this development.
“It will provide a huge economic boost to Cannock Chase District, creating jobs and attracting private sector investment.
“It will significantly raise the profile of the District with an estimated three million people visiting the new designer outlet village.”