Cotswolds Designer Outlet Hands Over in Time for Opening

Bouygues UK has handed over Cotswolds Designer Outlet to regional developer and investor Robert Hitchins Ltd, and it has opened its doors to the public for the first time.

We were proud to be the lead contractor for the first phase of the Cotswolds Designer Outlet in Tewkesbury, creating 136,000sq ft of retail and food and beverage space for 56 brands.

Offering a unique retail experience in an easily accessible location on Junction 9 of the M5 motorway, the designer outlet will serve a significant catchment area between Bristol and Birmingham as well as tourists visiting the Cotswolds, with the historic town of Tewkesbury on its doorstep. Operated by Multi Realm, it will be home to big brands, including BOSS, Adidas, Cadbury, Radley and Sweaty Betty.

With every project, Bouygues UK strives to reduce its own carbon emissions and to optimise the environmental performance of its projects. The build at Cotswolds Designer Outlet received 330m³ of timber, all sourced from responsibly managed forests. Every piece was certified by either the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) – the two leading global standards for sustainable forestry.

To reduce the environmental impact even further, the team used Gaia AI technology, that helps to identify, monitor and reduce power consumption using artificial intelligence (AI) and a range of sensors. This technology was used in site cabins, cutting both carbon emissions and electricity costs by 53%.

The site team at Cotswolds Designer outlet recently received top marks in its Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) assessment, honouring the projects’ commitment to the community, environment and workforce. The Considerate Constructors Scheme helps support the construction industry to raise its standards in being a considerate constructor and build trust with the public.

“It’s fantastic to complete work on the first phase of the Cotswolds Designer Outlet. It’s been a collaborative journey, with, strong local partnerships and a commitment to quality, we are confident the space will bring long-lasting economic and social value to the region with hundreds of jobs created.

“We recognise that through working closely with our clients, supply chain partners and employees, we can help reduce our impact on the environment and bring sustainable benefits to the communities we work in.

“Social value is at the heart of every project for Bouygues UK and our social value team delivered valuable educational and community engagement in Gloucestershire during the build, leaving a lasting impact on the local community.”

John Boughton, Bouygues UK’s Managing Director for Wales and the South West

In addition to the construction of the outlet for Robert Hitchins Ltd Bouygues UK also dedicated significant time and effort to fostering strong relationships with local schools, colleges, and universities, ensuring that students benefit from real-world insights and inspiring opportunities.

A series of educational initiatives were rolled out, including site tours for Tewkesbury Academy, Norton College, and the University of Gloucestershire, alongside mock interviews, career fairs, and workshops. These activities were designed to equip students with vital skills for their future careers, focusing on teamwork, communication, and trust.

As part of this educational engagement, Bouygues UK’s team and volunteers from the wider supply chain have actively contributed to making a positive impact in the community. Through joint efforts with partners, initiatives have been aimed at highlighting current and future employment opportunities, establishing the context of construction, and emphasising the relevance of education.

Through collaborative efforts with Skanska, Bouygues UK has further enhanced STEM engagement, promoting the construction industry and career routes. Workshops for Year 10 maths classes provided students with a practical context for their education, illustrating how subjects like mathematics weave through every aspect of construction.

“What we have managed to do here I believe is design and build an outlet scheme using suitable and sustainable materials in a fashion that creates the right aspect for an attractive village. We are a family business and Robert Hitchins is all about working with people, supporting people, investing in people and that is exactly what we have done here.”

Simon Tothill, Property & Development Director at Robert Hitchins