Government green light for ‘Bicester Village of the West Midlands’

PROPOSALS to create a designer outlet village in Cannock – already being dubbed the ‘Bicester Village of the Midlands’ – have been given the all clear by the Government.

Greg Clarke MP, the secretary of state for the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) upheld Cannock Council’s resolution to grant development partners U+I (formerly Development Securities) and Rioja Developments’ plans to create Mill Green Designer Outlet Village.

It is estimated that the 26,505 sq m scheme will cost in excess of £110m and create more than 1,200 jobs. It could house up to 130 designer outlet stores.

Giles Membrey, Rioja Developments’ managing director, said: “This is excellent news. We are thrilled that DCLG has endorsed Cannock Council’s decision to approve this major retail-led regeneration project.

“There is no doubt it will bring tremendous socio-economic benefits to the West Midlands, making Mill Green Designer Outlet Village a ‘must go to’ destination for the region.”

Membrey said the development partners aim to start construction on the scheme before the end of next year.

Richard Upton, Deputy CEO, U+I, added: “The new outlet centre could generate more than £500m of socio-economic improvements over the next ten years.

“The secretary of state’s decision is critical; it will help pave the way for extensive investment, job creation and regeneration which will be of benefit to Cannock and the wider region.”

The outlet village will provide designer outlet stores, new restaurants and around 2,000 car parking spaces on a site located next to the Mill Green Nature Reserve.

Cannock Chase District Council granted planning approval for the designer outlet village at the end of November.

But in view of the size of the scheme, the council’s decision was referred to the secretary of state for the final say.