Opening of Scotch Corner Designer Village put back again — but new retailers sign up

An artist's impression of the main square.

Developers behind Scotch Corner Designer Village say the complex will now open in sping 2027 — four years after the original launch date.

But the company behind the scheme say a host of new household names have signed deals to have an outlet at the centre.

Mew signings announced today including Guess, Castore, Monsoon, Jack & Jones, Molton Brown, Brook Taverner, White Stuff, Haribo, Lindt, Superdry, Radley London, Hobbs, Phase Eight.

A “huge and iconic” M&S store has also been announced.

Newly signed eateries Pizza Express, Pret A Manger, 2000 Coffee, Knoops and Slim Chickens will join already signed Wagamama and Five Guys.

Existing brands already due to open shops include Boss, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Levis, Skechers, Clarks, Moss and Dune London.

In total, the complex will have 73 retailers, restaurants and cafes.

The designer village was initially due to open in October 2023, but this date has been repeatedly pushed back.

The developers say the scheme is now 50 per cent complete with construction on the remaining 50 per cent due to recommence on site in September.

Sarah Hodkinson, leasing director for Scotch Corner Designer Village, said in an update on the scheme: “We are thrilled with the enthusiasm of both major retail brands and the local community.

“Dozens of high-profile brands have signed with us. This is a vote of confidence and a superb, good news story for the region and the whole of the north of England.”

Scotch Corner Designer Village will include the UK’s largest Blue Diamond home, lifestyle, and garden centre which will open after this first retail phase.

Parking with 2,000 spaces will include EV charging points, with 250 available when fully developed.

Former Prime Minister and local MP Rishi Sunak has welcomed the update.

He said: “I think this is good news for the area. The hundreds of people that will be employed there represent a huge local economic boost.

“Also, I think the designer outlet concept will attract shoppers from across the north of England and that will have benefits beyond the confines of the development.

“Designer Outlet retail parks contain designer retailers selling discounted products, not everyday high street brands. Nationally the Bicester Village outlet near Oxford has been a huge success.”

Developer Simon Waterfiels said the complex would increase visitor time to the region and was expected to boost the local economy substantially with additional tourism, overnight and longer visits.

“Scotch Corner Designer Village is dedicated to supporting the locality and the wider region and will feature local design talent and artisans and provides an additional 1300 total jobs.

“Scotch Corner Designer Village is committed to creating a low-carbon, sustainable shopping, and leisure destination. The power services have been upgraded for the whole area and this fits with our commitment to eventually provide over 250 electric car charging points.”

Rolls-Royce has signalled that it had shortlisted Scotch Corner for a 23,000 sqm factory with ancillary support offices.

The £200 million factory could be the first of three in the UK to manufacture parts for its small modular reactor (SMR) programme, set up to increase the availability of low-cost, clean energy.

If selected, the state-of-the-art modern advanced manufacturing facility, which would support global decarbonisation, is likely to be the largest of its kind in the UK.

There is also the proposal for a 30,650 sqm film and television facility.

The development will also include a large new fuel filling station and drive-thru eateries.

 

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