Shopfitting has commenced at Cotswolds Designer Outlet and bosses now plan to push forward with the second phase earlier than planned.

There are 46 brands confirmed for the shopping hub which is being built off J9 of the M5 in Tewkesbury.

The latest to sign up are Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger and mean 98% of space is now spoken for ahead of phase one opening this summer.

Bouygues UK is on site working on the £30million project on behalf of developer Robert Hitchins. 

New images released today (April 28) show the buildings are almost complete and reveal clothing brands Tommy Hilfiger and Levi's will have stores at one of the main entrances.

Simon Tothill, property and development director at Robert Hitchins Ltd, said: "Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger are an incredible addition to the line-up, and with more names to be shared soon, there is a hugely compelling story for the many retail brands who are already expressing interest in Phase 2.

"We're now at a particularly important milestone in the build programme, as we hand over to retailers and brands to commence their individual shop-fits. With only a few more weeks to opening, all our teams, consultants, contractors and partners are working together to fine tune the details for what will be the go-to shopping destination for visitors from near and far."

The huge project in Ashchurch was granted outline planning permission back in June 2016.

Work on phase one began in earnest in 2023 and will comprise more than 119,150 sq ft of retail space and 1,100 car parking spaces.

Details of the appearance, layout, scale and landscaping of phase two were approved by Tewkesbury Borough Council in January . When complete, it will bring the total number of shops to around 90 shops.

Outlet bosses said in joint statement: "With the success of the Phase 1 letting established, Robert Hitchins and Multi-Realm are expecting to bring forward Phase 2 of Cotswolds Designer Outlet earlier than originally anticipated, which will extend the outlet provision by a further circa 50,000 sq ft."

Multi-Realm has been leading on the leasing activity and will manage and operate the shopping centre once it is completed.

Christine Grace, leasing director at Multi-Realm, said: "Having curated this stellar line-up of retail and dining brands that complement a full day out as part of the destination appeal of the Cotswolds, it is no surprise that we are already receiving strong interest from brands keen to be part of the Phase 2 programme."

Brands confirmed to open this summer are:

Calvin Klein

Tommy Hilfiger

BOSS

Adidas

Animal

Ben Sherman

Denby

French Connection

Radley

Rituals

Dune

Levi's

Under Armour

Skopes

GUESS

Saltrock

The Beauty Outlet

M&S

Weird Fish

Sweaty Betty

Regatta

Puma

Skechers

Mountain Warehouse

ProCook

Cadburys

Lindt

Tefal

Craghoppers

Crew Clothing

Bedeck

Chapelle

Perfume Shop

Merrell

Pavers

Yankee Candle

Clinton Cards

200 Degrees

Pret A Manger

Five Guys

Zizzi

Wagamama

Caffe Nero

KNEAD Bakery

Holland & Barrett 

Timberland