Designer outlet makes senior hires ahead of summer opening
Developer and investor Robert Hitchins has made two key hires to the on-site management team for Cotswolds Designer Outlet.
Paul Lacey joins the team as operations manager, while Hannah Swithenbank takes the role of marketing and engagement manager.
Led by centre manager Adrian Field, the management team is now working alongside the project and construction team to prepare for the opening of phase one this summer. This news comes as the project programme continues apace, with scaffolding coming down over the month of February, clearing the way for roofing, detailing and landscaping.
Lacey brings extensive operational and facilities management experience at retail, leisure and tourism destinations, most recently working in operations at Warwick Castle, one of the UK’s most treasured visitor attractions.
Swithenbank joins from retail brand ProCook, where she operated across digital PR and social media as well as design and photography.
Field said: “I’m delighted to welcome Paul and Hannah to the team at this exciting milestone, with five months to go until opening. There is so much going on behind the scenes, not only in terms of the construction programme but also the launch planning. We are starting to work with the brands and retailers to establish efficient operations processes, and we are finalising our ambition for the opening and the ongoing guest experience that will set us up for success from day one. Paul and Hannah both bring extensive experience, agility, vision and enthusiasm to the role, and we cannot wait to share the scheme with our neighbours, visitors, tourists and retail staff in just a few months’ time.”
Simon Tothill, property and development director at Robert Hitchins, added: “We’re pleased to welcome Paul and Hannah to the management team which will oversee the day-to-day running of this exceptional retail destination. We are in a very strong position at the start of this year, as we get closer to handing over units to our incoming brands and preparing our launch plans; the pieces are all coming together as we get ready for an exciting opening for the only new retail outlet destination opening in the UK this year.
“The scheme is already 95% committed (exchanged or in legals) to well-known British and international fashion, sports, lifestyle, homewares and dining brands; this remarkable achievement is testament to the quality of the scheme, the strength of this location and all the hard work of our team and partners behind the scenes. Some of these brands are already recruiting locally, bringing a huge jobs boost to the regional economy as we begin to see the enormous potential of this new retail destination becoming a reality.”
The new outlet retail destination, based in Ashchurch near Tewkesbury and next to junction 9 of the M5 is expected to create up to 500 jobs once completed. The centre is being managed by leading outlet operator Multi-Realm.
Cotswolds Designer Outlet sits at the heart of Robert Hitchins’ long-term vision for the 250 acre development site, and once fully complete over two phases, will offer up to 90 brands alongside the Dobbies Garden centre and Waitrose Foodhall. Within the site, the construction of over 1,500 homes is now well underway with associated community spaces and infrastructure.
