Unanimous planning approval for Ashford Designer Outlet extension

Europe's 'largest green wall' scheme gets the green light.

On the 23rd of September, plans for a significant expansion to Ashford Designer Outlet in Kent, UK, were given the green light by Ashford Borough Council. Council members were overwhelmingly supportive of extending the scheme due to Ashford Designer Outlet’s contribution to the Kent economy. The Outlet centre is famous for attracting affluent long-haul tourist, tourists from Continental Europe and day-out visitors with year-round savings.

This will add around 100,000 ft², to the current 185,000 ft² of retail space, to create one of the UK's flagship designer outlets.

The new extension is designed by Chapman Taylor, who along with Applied Landscape Design, have designed a stunning 'green' wall cladding system to reflect the centre's location in Kent, the Garden of England. The walls of many of the stores in the new extension will be 'living', clad in tens of thousands of plants, all stacked vertically. The stores' canopies will pick up on the pavilion theme of the canopy roof in the existing part of the centre.

This is Ashford Designer Outlet's first extension since the centre opened in 2000 and it will add a further 38 shops to the 80 already there - plus restaurants, 725 extra car parking space, a new events space and children’s play area and more links to the town centre.

Nick Thursby, a Director at Chapman Taylor’s Bristol design studio commented “Our brief from our client McArthurGlen, Europe's leading owner, developer and manager of designer outlets, was to create a world-class retail environment that better linked with Ashford's town centre. Kent is often referred to as the ‘Garden of England’ and this theme has been expanded upon by the use of ‘green’ facades throughout the new phases which will make it the longest living wall in Europe. We are delighted that Ashford Borough Council has given the green light to this innovative extension and we look forward to supporting McArthurGlen enhance the Ashford shopping experience and bring in new brands to complement the existing offer.”

The Designer Outlet currently employs more than 1,000 people, which is due to rise by a further 500 with the centre's expansion. In order to realise the new extension, 170 construction staff will also be employed. The extension is due to be completed in 2018.

For more information please contact:

Nick Thursby (BA (Hons) Dip Arch RIBA)

Director, UK

Nick joined Chapman Taylor’s London studio in 1999 and has over 20 years’ experience spanning all project stages. He has particular expertise in the concept design and masterplanning of schemes through to their detailed design, particularly on large-scale projects at the heart of many of the UK’s major cities.

Nick was jointly responsible for establishing Chapman Taylor’s Bristol studio in 2012 and, as a UK Board Director, he is responsible for the ongoing business development and management of this part of the UK business.

He believes it is crucial to the long-term success of Chapman Taylor to nurture and mentor the creativity and talent in our studios.

Areas of expertise:


Retail / Residential / Mixed-use / Concept Design / Detailed Design / Masterplanning

Nick joined Chapman Taylor’s London studio in 1999 and worked on the award-winning Princesshay, Exeter scheme before joining the UK concept design team.

He was jointly responsible for establishing Chapman Taylor’s Bristol studio in 2013 and as a UK Board Director is now responsible for the ongoing development and management of this part of the UK business. Nick also leads Chapman Taylor’s Sustainability Group responsible for researching best-practice environmental design initiatives and innovation.

He has 20 years’ experience spanning all project stages.

Areas of expertise:

Retail / Residential / Mixed-use / Concept Design / Detailed Design / Sustainability

Related Projects

All Projects
caret-down-skewed caret-down-thin caret-down caret-left-thick caret-left-white caret-left caret-right-thick caret-right-white caret-right caret-up chinese cross download english facebook grid instagram linked-in list mail map pinterest play-button reset search-nobg search-square share twitter views wechat youtube