IntoOutdoors, the UK’s first retail and lifestyle shopping centre, has received planning permission for a £35 million scheme in the heart of England.
Owner and developer Eagle One has ambitious plans for the innovative scheme which will combine an extensive 45 unit retail centre with outdoor leisure pursuits and holiday lodges set within its 125 acres site fronting the River Avon. Breaking ground in 2013 it has hopes to be completed by summer 2014.
The scheme will consist of 140,000sq ft of retail, restaurant, cafes and leisure space. A collection of 60 holiday lodges in a lakeside setting, two fishing lakes, cycle routes, outdoor exhibition and activity areas will complete the scheme that benefits from1.5miles of frontage onto the River Avon.
The IntoOutdoors development provides access to a population of over 3.6million within 60 minutes drivetime and will be a major retail and visitor attraction. ‘Try before you buy’ retail areas will be a key feature to allow customers to experience products prior to purchase and drive extensive sales for retailers.
The site is easily at the junction of the A44 and A46 trunk roads with 27,500 vehicles passing the site each day. The region boasts a high penetration of outdoor enthusiasts and its prime location will enable customers from a wide geographical area to visit IntoOutdoors.
Simon Tothill, Director of IntoOutdoors commented: “In a harsh economic climate, IntoOutdoors is a unique retail concept which offers an alternative to traditional and internet based retailing. We believe it will succeed by making the shopping experience a truly leisure based activity with IntoOutdoors designed to appeal to all age groups.
“A retail environment where you can ‘try before you buy’ is an intrinsic part of our offer, not only do consumers get a memorable hands-on shopping experience in an idyllic setting, but retailers benefit from showing products to their full potential.
“The £35million investment will lead to the creation of around 1,000 jobs and has been welcomed with open arms by the local community. Links to the nearby town of Evesham via water taxi, cycle path and a new bus service will ensure the development attracts new visitors not only to IntoOutdoors, but also surrounding towns and villages” he continued.
Knight Frank is instructed as Development Consultants and letting agents for the scheme.
