Proposed £30m retail outlet includes garden centre
A £30 million retail outlet centre, including a garden centres, could be built near Tewkesbury, creating 1,000 jobs in the process. See artist's impression above.
Developer Robert Hitchins Ltd wants to transform the 48-acre site, just off junction 9 of the M5, into a retail outlet centre with up 70 shops offering clothing, sports and leisure gear and household items. Alongside it, there would be a garden centre which would be similar to the size of Webbs of Wychbold in Worcestershire. There would be parking spaces for 2,000 cars.
Hitchins' proposals are in the early stages but, if the plans are approved, the centre could be open in just over three years' time.
The company's property and development director, Christopher Haslam, said: "This scheme is very much in its infancy and we're keen to get local feedback before we go as far as submitting an outline planning application.
"The reaction to the scheme so far has been extremely positive. It would bring up to 1,000 much-needed full and part-time jobs to the area, as well as another 175 jobs during the construction phase in a challenging economic climate."
A public exhibition will take place soon on a date to be announced to seek people's views.
David Bloxham, for Tewkesbury Chamber of Commerce, said: "This appears to be an exciting project which promises to bring new business and investment to the area.
"Any permitted development must, however, focus upon the needs of the town and its residents and upon bringing tangible commercial benefits to the High Street, its independent retailers and other established local businesses."
