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Latest look at new West Midlands Designer Outlet with jobs programme under way

These are the latest images of the £160 million McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands which could open as early as September.

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Work is well under way at the designer outlet site

Work has been ongoing at the site in Cannock since July 2018 and the outlet could open to the public in seven months, Cannock Chase Council has said in a report.

When it opens about 1,000 jobs are expected to be created at the shopping village, which will feature around 80 brands, restaurants, cafes, and 1,400 car parking spaces.

How the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands will look when completed

Mike Thomas, centre manager for McArthurGlen’s designer outlet, said: “Construction work for our new designer outlet in Cannock continues to progress well.

"The shopfronts, glazing, mall paving and car parking area are all coming along nicely. The recent bad weather hasn’t delayed our progress and we’re still on course to open this autumn, with a more specific opening date to follow in the coming months.”

And now more than 80 jobseekers have boosted their chances of finding work after participating in a retail training programme linked to the outlet.

Work continues at the site

Walsall College’s Introduction to Retail Employability Programme is a two-week course that has been available in Cannock since April 2019.

It provides long-term unemployed people with a pathway towards a career in retail and customer service. Cannock Chase Council, Cannock Job Centre Plus and McArthurGlen all support the initiative.

Around 1,000 jobs will be created at the village

Debbie Illidge, senior curriculum leader at the college, said: “Everyone completing this programme is now in an excellent position to be considered for job roles when the outlet – set to be one of the area’s major employers - opens this autumn.

“Investing in local skills is important to everyone involved in the outlet’s development. We look forward to seeing the recruitment process unfold over the coming months and continuing to support our programme graduates.”

The designer outlet will open this September

Mr Thomas added: “Our new designer outlet is set to become one of the largest employers in the local area and will support around £20 million of employment income for the economy every year.

“The centre will create around 1,000 jobs once it opens this coming autumn. As such, we are proud to be working with Walsall College on the Introduction to Retail Employability Programme, to help local people develop the core skills required to secure their next employment opportunity.”

The next Introduction to Retail Employability programmes are running on March 2 and 16 at Walsall College’s Cannock Campus.

For more information and to apply, call 01543 571796.