Work has started on building the 180-acre mixed-use development around the Designer Outlet Cotswolds retail scheme near Tewkesbury.

Led by Cheltenham-based property developer Robert Hitchins, the development will feature up to 90 shops, restaurants and cafes at the retail out which will include the largest Dobbies garden centre in the South West.

And the development at Ashchurch will include 850 homes with a school, local centre and recreation facilities.

Work on the first phase of infrastructure works on the site near Junction 9 of the M5 has started with Montel Civil Engineering as the main contractor.

Robert Hitchins technical and residential development director Gordon Jeynes, said: "We are delighted that the infrastructure has now commenced.

"When completed, this will - in addition to the on-site works - include major improvements to the A46 fronting the development and improvements to Junction 9 of the M5."

Robert Hitchins is working closely with Austrian firm ROS Retail Outlet Shopping, which operates outlet centres across Europe, on Designer Outlet Cotswolds.

Robert Hitchins property and development director Simon Tothill said: "We're proud to be delivering such an attractive development into the Tewkesbury area and to be creating more than 1,000 jobs in the local area.

"It's important that such developments progress as efficiently as possible through the planning and construction stages to create employment opportunities, especially to enable the area to bounce back from the effects of the pandemic."

He continued: "These are real jobs and we all need to work together to promote success. As a result, our mixed-use scheme will be a great addition to this part of the West Country.

"There are a number of high-profile retail brands now committing to the scheme or in advanced dialogue."

The architect for Designer Outlet Cotswolds and the Dobbies Garden Centre is Roberts Limbrick based in Gloucester.