Main road set to re-open as £160m retail development moves to next phase
Work to create access to a multi-million-pound designer outlet and improve surrounding roads will move to its next phase next month.
The works being carried out by the county council will pave the way for the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands in Cannock, which is set to be completed in 2020. The scheme will provide access to the £160m development and improve traffic flow on surrounding roads.
On November 1 Lichfield Road to the west of the roundabout at the landfill site will be fully reopened in both directions. There will then be a full closure of the road on the eastern side of the roundabout from November 4 for approximately eight weeks – though traffic management will be reviewed.
It is anticipated that Hayes Way at its junction with the A460 will open months ahead of schedule. It has been closed since works began.
McArthurGlen has committed £15m to the improvement scheme, taking place at Churchbridge and the A460 Eastern Way.
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport Helen Fisher said: “Work to improve the roads ahead of the opening of the MacArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands in Cannock is on schedule and progressing well.
“The next phase of the works will see the section east of the Lichfield Road roundabout closed for up to eight weeks with a short diversion in place. We also anticipate Hayes Way will shortly reopen – months ahead of schedule.
“We understand these works are causing disruption and would again like to thank people for their patience while road closures are in place.
“The McArthurGlen Designer Outlet is a hugely important development for Staffordshire and the wider region. It will create jobs and bring visitors into Cannock, boosting the local economy. Before this happens, the infrastructure needs to be in place and we are making every effort to get works completed as soon as possible.”
Cannock Chase Council granted planning approval for a designer outlet at Mill Green in September 2016.
On-site construction of McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in Cannock started last summer. When it opens in 2020, this new landmark retail destination and community hub will create 1,000 jobs for the local area.
