BOLD new plans have been unveiled to revamp and rename Gretna Gateway Outlet Village in a multi-million pound investment by its owners.
London-based RPMI Railpen, who own the retail centre, have unveiled a £7million package with the aim of transforming it into Scotland's premier designer village.
Urban Edge Architecture helped to draw up plans to modernise the shopping village, which include installing timber façade treatments to the units, adding canopies and enhancing the public realm.
The investment has been hailed by retail bosses as a complement to a the lineup of world-class brands, such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, and Nike.
To coincide with the dramatic transformation, Gretna Gateway will be renamed as Caledonia Park.
In the last few months, sports brands Adidas and Reebok have joined fashion retailer Levi's and discount store The Cosmetics Company as the latest shops to arrive at the centre.
Plans for the revamp were first submitted to Dumfries and Galloway Council's planning department back in January.
Work then started to re-style the village in April.
A revitalised Dining Quarter will also be created, which aims to showcase an array of world-class food and drink, as well as focus on local produce at the Caledonia Park Farm Shop.
Matthew Howard, head of property asset management at RPMI Railpen, told the News & Star: “Caledonia Park will be a vibrant hub for retail and dining in the heart of Southern Scotland.
"We have seen outstanding performance to date, and the refreshed offer and rebranding will bring a new level of momentum for the village.
"The strategic regeneration meets our core investment themes and lays the foundations for long-term growth.”
The investment programme at Caledonia Park is due for completion in autumn 2020, although retail bosses say the rebranding of the name will get underway immediately.
RPMI Railpen’s revitalisation of the destination coincides with the UK government’s £394m Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, which involves significant and sustainable investments in the region surrounding Caledonia Park.
Situated just off the A74(M), its owners say Caledonia Park has had year-on-year sales growth for the last six successive quarters.
The raft of changes come as the centre celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, having first opened to shoppers back on September 20, 1999. The state-of-the-art village hopes to continue to attract those on both sides of the border.
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