Shopping village is ready... it just needs some shoppers!

THESE photos provide the first glimpse of a new shopping village an hour’s drive from Derby that is set to open this spring.

The McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands in Cannock is set to feature more than 80 shops plus restaurants.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, bosses at construction firm Bowmer + Kirkland, based near Belper, say the project has been completed on time and on budget, with a build period of 105 weeks.

Steve Chambers, regional director, said: “It has been an honour to work on McArthurGlen’s latest retail destination for the UK. Despite various challenges, including a worldwide pandemic, the entire team has worked well together to ensure we delivered – on time and in budget – a stunning new designer outlet for the Midlands.”

Although most of Bowmer + Kirkland’s work was completed last year, they have remained on-site providing tenant support services during the shop-fitting phase of the complex.

Among more than 40 shops already announced for the centre are high-end fashion brands Hugo Boss, Lacoste and Hobbs, and sports retailers Nike, Adidas and Under Armour.

Mike Thomas, centre manager at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands, said: “B+K did a great job building our new outlet and it was a pleasure working with them at every stage.

“We’re really proud of the new centre and cannot wait to welcome our first visitors.”

With non-essential shops remaining closed amid the third Covid-19 lockdown, no opening date has yet been given for the shopping village, which is creating around 1,000 jobs.

The development borders a nature reserve and the scheme incorporates raised access walkways with viewing platforms.