Ashford Designer Outlet could build 6 kiosks
06:00, 09 February 2020
Six glass-sided kiosks could be built at the Designer Outlet in Ashford after a large-scale planning application was submitted.
Bosses want to widen sections of the walkway around the original part of the centre to make space for the permanent kiosks.
The centre says the aim of the units is “to replace the existing food vans and temporary structures that have been in place during the part-closure of the centre during construction works”.
It is not yet known whether the tenants currently occupying the spots - including American doughnut chain Krispy Kreme - will move into the glass-sided kiosks.
In a statement attached to the application, bosses outline their plans for the site, which saw its £90m extension open last year.
They said: “With the extension now complete, McArthurGlen’s aim is to ensure the quality of phase one [the original part of the outlet] is maintained through the rationalisation of the existing offer, and creation of more formal retail kiosks.
“This plan seeks permission to develop six kiosks within the mall walkway.
“The kiosks will provide an opportunity for smaller brands and ‘pop-up stores’ to ‘test the market’ and take a smaller space within the centre before potentially expanding to a permanent site.
“The existing low level wall separating the walkway and car park is to be cut back and removed to accommodate a new platform surrounded by a new retaining wall.
“The current kiosk design provides frameless glazing to all external sides, with glazed doors and a sign above.”
Overall, the six additional units would increase the on-site retail space by 383 sq m.
Along with the kiosk plan, a large part of Polo Ralph Lauren’s second floor will be used as storage with the loss of some retail floorspace if the planning application is approved.
The shopping centre is also seeking to install rumble strips along the adjoining Newtown Road to curb speeding.
The Outlet’s £90m extension - which was completed in November - saw previous closures of the key road, leading to anger from nearby residents as one lasted for 32 weeks.
It is not yet known if another closure of Newtown Road will be needed.
To view the plans, visit www.ashford.gov.uk and search for the 14/01402/AM04/AS reference.
