Traders and officials in Bicester have reacted to the opening of a new designer outlet dubbed as a rival to Bicester Village.

Cotswold Designer Outlet will open just off the M5 in Tewkesbury, which is approximately 50 miles from Bicester, in Spring 2025.

Ninety per cent of the steel construction has been completed and 75 per cent of the retail spaces having been sold nine months into the project. 

Liberal Democrat councillor for Bicester north ward, Rachel Mallows does not believe the new outlet will impact Bicester Village.

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She told the Oxford Mail: "Personally, I don’t believe that the new centre will adversely affect Bicester Village, as they target international tourists who are visiting London for a day trip, whereas Tewkesbury is much further away from London, and harder to reach."

District councillor Nick Mawer said: "It remains to be seen what brands they attract. 

"I'm guessing that the real losers will be nearby town and city centres."

Councillor Nick Mawer (Image: Cherwell District Council.)

Oana, founder of Monty's Burger Bar in Bicester, indicated that she does not have concerns about the new outlet.

She said: "We do not rely on footfall from Bicester Village customers, however we do welcome a large number of Bicester Village staff members and believe we will continue to do so regardless of the new opening."

Commenting on the new outlet online, one person wrote: "Another overpriced shopping centre. Just what we need."

Bicester Village declined to comment. 

Speaking on the progress of the new outlet, property and development director Simon Tothill said: “There’s been remarkable progress on site being delivered by the team at Bouygues UK.

"There’s been a tremendous effort behind the scenes from the team at Robert Hitchins and our leasing and operating partner Multi-Realm, to curate a line-up of fashion, lifestyle, homewares, sports and F&B brands that will make Cotswolds Designer Outlet a must-visit destination and day out in this key location at Tewkesbury.

"Following the completion of the steel structures, the next stages of the programme will include completing the building envelopes, followed by externals and landscaping, before units are handed over to the new tenants for their internal fit outs."

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Christine Grace, leasing director at Multi-Realm, said: “We’ve had a very positive response from retailers and F&B operators who want to be part of the opening line-up at one of the only new outlet destinations opening in the UK next year, and a chance to showcase their brands in this ‘gateway to the Cotswolds’.

"It is testament to the quality of the Cotswolds Designer Outlet design, location and the premium guest experience we’re creating, that we are already 75 per cent exchanged or in legals, this far ahead of opening.”

Once completed, Cotswolds Designer Outlet is expected to create up to 500 new retail jobs across the 55+ individual stores and restaurants, as well as in the management and operations of the outlet centre itself.