East Midlands Designer Outlet set for major multi-million-pound revamp with new shops and restaurants

A designer outlet village near Derby has revealed some major redevelopment plans today (June 3).

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet East Midlands has shared plans to makeover the centre’s food court.

The multi-million-pound investment aims to enhance the food and beverage, leisure and shopping experience for guests. 

Read more: Derby business news

The centre is currently undergoing a £12m investment which has included the recent opening of a huge new Nike store.

Adidas is set to open in the summer of this year, moving to a flagship position at the front of the centre, while US Polo, Molton Brown, Puma, and Rituals have joined the roster of premium brands. 

But as we all know, shopping is hungry work, so the investment has now turned to the centre’s food and drink offerings.

The redevelopment will see some new vendors such as Slim Chickens, enter the centre. While other outlets like Chopstix, will return with a fresh new look.

The new and improved food court will be complemented by increased seating capacity and a variety of seating options, a brand-new look and feel featuring natural wood, new multi-tiered lighting, indoor landscaping and trees, new tables and chairs and will showcase a new central circle bar. 

Construction is set to commence in June when the restaurants within the existing food court are set to close.

However popular eateries including Pizza Express, Wagamama, Five Guys, Costa Coffee, Starbucks, Doughnotts, Just Deserts, BB’s and 200 Degrees will remain open for guests to enjoy as part of their centre visit.

In addition, Kouzina Greek will be located in the mall while work takes place.

The Centre will also offer dining within The Village Square, an outdoor, heated seating area with three new food vendors offering sweet treats, drinks, loaded fries, and a Burger Box with burgers, hot dogs, chicken wraps and further street food dishes on the menu.

The area will become a hub of entertainment over the summer months with streetstyle entertainment and live music. 

The development will create approximately 20 new jobs for the local community within the new restaurants and during the course of the construction project, approximately 100 people will be employed on site full time.  

Paul Sutton, Centre Manager at East Midlands Designer Outlet, comments, “This is a significant moment for East Midlands Designer Outlet as we continue to develop our centre ensuring we offer the best shopping and dining experiences for our guests.

“The redevelopment of the food court will welcome a wide range of restaurants to choose from in an attractive and upbeat environment, and is just one step in our long-term commitment to enhancing the guest experience.  We will have further announcements regarding both an additional new restaurant that will be joining us in our Food Court, as well as exciting new store openings throughout the year, so watch this space!” 

Chris Wilkinson, Aviva Investment Management “The redevelopment of the Food Court at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet East Midlands is the next stage of the modernisation programme of the Centre, following on from the opening of the new Nike flagship store in October 2023 and the upcoming Adidas flagship store, opening in summer 2024.

“The major redevelopment of the existing food court, cements Aviva’s ongoing commitment to the Centre which will include the introduction of several new Food and Beverage brands into the Centre and create up to 20 new job roles into the region”