Twenty new jobs have been created at the Ashford Designer Outlet following the opening of a new patisserie and the planned expansion of two existing stores.

Visitors to the Kimberley Way mall can now treat themselves to a fancy and contemporary cake at Lola’s Cupcakes, located in the foodhall.

The cart, which opened at the end of February, will sell a selection of cupcakes and will "add to the centre’s fantastic restaurant assortment".

Additionally, Lacoste and Calvin Klein are both planning on moving units in order to increase their existing retail offer.

Sports brand Lacoste will almost double in size when it re-launches on Thursday.

The French clothing company which offers footwear, clothing, leather goods and accessories, is undergoing a "modern" re-vamp and will include a room dedicated to polo shirts.

Calvin Klein, which currently sells underwear and sleepwear, will launch its new store on Thursday, March 12 and will offer a variety of denim shapes, cuts and styles.

A spokesman for McArthurGlen, who own the shopping centre, said: “Following a strong 2014, the flurry of new stores and renovations point to an exciting year ahead as brands continue to invest confidently, strengthening the centre’s portfolio.

“Boosting local employment opportunities in the area, the openings have created over 20 new jobs at the outlet."

A planning application to double the size of the Ashford Designer Outlet has been put to the borough council by agents Montagu Evans LLP on behalf of McArthurGlen.

Plans include demolishing part of the existing building to add room for extra retail and restaurant units, creating more car parking spaces and building a visitor centre.

The application is due to be discussed by the council in the next few months.