Plans for a luxury shopping village at the Scotch Corner A1 junction have taken a step forward with the unveiling of 19 new retailers.
Upon completion of its first phase, the Scotch Corner Designer Village is set to boast 73 stores, with a slated opening date in two years' time.
Newly announced retailers for the scheme, which is visible from the A1, include prominent brands such as Radley, Hobbes, White Stuff, and a substantial Marks and Spencer store. The dining options will feature prominent food brands like Pizza Express, Pret A Manger, Wagamama, and Five Guys.
The development is poised to generate 1,300 job opportunities, with 300 of those emerging during the construction phase. With the project currently 50% built, it remains on track for a Spring 2027 opening.
Sarah Hodkinson, leasing director for Scotch Corner Designer Village, said: "We are thrilled with the enthusiasm of both major retail brands and the local community. Dozens of high-profile brands have signed with us. This is a vote of confidence and a superb, good news story for the region and the whole of the north of England."
Simon Waterfield, the developer, added: "This increased visitor time to the region is expected to boost the local economy substantially with additional tourism, overnight and longer visits. Scotch Corner Designer Village is dedicated to supporting the locality and the wider region and will feature local design talent and artisans and provides an additional 1300 total jobs."
The º£½ÇÊÓƵ's largest Blue Diamond home, lifestyle, and garden centre is set to open following the initial retail phase of a significant development that will also feature 2,000 car parking spaces and 250 EV charging points.
Former Prime Minister and local MP Rishi Sunak commented: "The hundreds of people that will be employed there represent a huge local economic boost. Also, I think the designer outlet concept will attract shoppers from across the north of England and that will have benefits beyond the confines of the development.
"Designer Outlet retail parks contain designer retailers selling discounted products, not every day high street brands. Nationally the Bicester Village outlet near Oxford has been a huge success."
Additional plans for the broader site include a potential factory for engineering giant Rolls Royce to manufacture parts for small modular nuclear reactors, as well as a film and TV studio. The development will also encompass a hotel, a new petrol station, and drive-thru restaurants.
Property experts Simon Waterfield and his long-time associate Peter Mullen, known for their work with shirt-maker Thomas Pink and wellington boot brand Hunter, are behind the scheme. Their vision is to establish a "nationally important destination, offering a wholly different experience to other outlet centres in the North of England."
