Centre shaping up nicely but ‘Vegas’ sign is blasted
IMPRESSIVE aerial photos shows a new £160million shopping complex at Cannock is well on the way to being completed, although the eagerly-anticipated McArthurGlen Designer Outlet’s giant sign has attracted criticism from local residents. Work began in 2018 and building on the site has continued throughout the coronavirus pandemic, though the completion date has been pushed back until next year.
Photos by Staffordshire Bird’s-eye View Photography shows the site nearly complete, with the final touches being made to the stores.
The images also show an outdoorstyle gazebo and hundreds of parking spaces.
The huge outlet is being built in two phases.
Phase one will see more than 80 sought-after premium and luxury brands – offering year-round savings of up to 60 per cent – open up shop.
There will also be a selection of restaurants and cafés, 1,400 car parking spaces, a children’s playground, parking for cyclists and provisions for shoppers arriving by coach.
The second stage will start soon after and, on completion, the centre will span a total of 285,000 sq ft of retail space with 130 stores.
The giant sign, however, has courted controversy, with hundreds signing a petition against it.
Resident Gary Dorrington saying it would “look more at home in Las Vegas” and it is nothing more than a ‘‘blot on the landscape’.’ Mr Dorrington, aged 61, who lives on an estate next to the outlet, added: “I live on quite a high spot and on a clear day I could see the Wrekin. I can’t see it now.
“It’s an absolute eyesore and would look more at home in Las Vegas.”
He continued: “We’re already going to have to put up with the extra traffic and noise and air pollution, we’ve got no choice in the matter.
“But I really think this is a step too far.
“They’ve gone to all that effort to make it look nice and then they have this sign. It’s hideous, a blot on the landscape. I just don’t see the need for it. People travel by sat nav these days or have researched how to get there and it’s well signposted.”
His comments were echoed by a string of posters on social media.
But Mike Thomas, centre manager, said the totem signage was a “fully permitted part of the development and a feature of McArthurGlen centres around the world”.
He added: “Its installation marks an exciting milestone as we move ever closer to bringing our collection of iconic brands and significant job opportunities to the local community in what will be one of the UK’s major landmark retail destinations.” Mr Thomas added: “We are extremely passionate about delivering this landmark retail destination for the West Midlands and bringing our exceptional McArthurGlen shopping experience to the region.” Councillor Tony Johnson, Cannock Chase Council’s portfolio holder for economic regeneration and planning, said he was “delighted” to hear about the progress being made.
He added: “As the council starts to plot economic recovery from the pandemic across the district, the designer outlet will play a hugely significant role and continues to be something we can all eagerly look forward to when shoppers are welcomed in.”