THESE pictures show the progress that has been made on an exciting designer outlet coming to the area.

Cotswolds Designer Outlet, a new retail and food destination in Tewkesbury, has moved a step closer to opening day with the announcement of a centre manager.

Developer Robert Hitchins has announced the appointment of Adrian Field to lead the on-site management team at the outlet.

The news comes as the construction programme for the destination reaches a one-year milestone.

Cotswolds Designer Outlet is due to open in spring 2025.

Once completed, the site - located at junction 9 of the M5 - is expected to create up to 500 new jobs.

82 per cent of space is already committed or in legals to a range of fashion, lifestyle, leisure and sports brands, as well as popular food and beverage brands and specialists from the area.

Multi-Realm, the outlet retail specialist managing the site, is also currently recruiting operations and marketing experts to complete the on-site management team.

Adrian boasts expertise in managing town and city-centre destinations, shopping centres and business improvement districts.

Locations he has worked in include Worcester, Malvern, Warwick, Cardiff and, most recently, Redditch.

“I’m delighted to join Cotswolds Designer Outlet at such an important milestone in the project programme,” he said.

“Living in the region, I’ve been following the project closely and with great interest, and I believe it’s set to play an important role in contributing to the local economy.

“Seeing the development come to life on-site is inspiring, and the strong interest from top brands reaffirms its potential as a premier destination.

“My focus now is on building a skilled, collaborative team to deliver a seamless and memorable launch and setting the highest standards of guest experience and customer service.

“Success here is all about partnership - that our retail brands, partners and local stakeholders are all working together to create an outstanding shopping and dining destination that’s aspirational, welcoming and firmly established as part of the region’s tourism appeal.”

Simon Tothill, property and development director at Robert Hitchins, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Adrian to the team.

“His expertise will be essential in shaping Cotswolds Designer Outlet into a must-visit retail and dining destination for the region and beyond.

“Tremendous effort from the teams at Robert Hitchins and leasing partner Multi-Realm has gone into curating a standout mix of fashion, lifestyle, homewares, sports and food and beverage brands that will add significantly to Cotswolds Designer Outlet’s appeal.

“With over 80 per cent of space already committed - seven months before opening - the high interest from brands reflects their enthusiasm to attract new customers with a premium experience, offering quality and great outlet value.”