Key Points
- A major new designer outlet village is planned adjacent to the A14, a key trunk road connecting Cambridge to the Midlands and East Coast ports.
- Development, named East of England Designer Village, will feature 80-100 premium retail units with brands like Hugo Boss, The White Company, and Timberland expected.
- Opening slated for spring 2028, pending full planning approval from South Cambridgeshire District Council and Highways England.
- Site spans 40 acres near Girton Interchange, just five miles northwest of Cambridge city centre, promising easy access for Cambridgeshire residents.
- 2,500 parking spaces, EV charging hubs, and coach facilities to handle 4 million annual visitors projected.
- £200 million investment by developer Oakgate, creating 1,200 direct jobs plus 2,000 in supply chain.
- Sustainability features include solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and zero-plastic policy.
- Local concerns over traffic on already congested A14; mitigation includes smart signals and shuttle buses.
- Complements existing Bicester Village model, tapping into Cambridge’s affluent tech workforce.
- Public consultation ran October-November 2025 with 1,500 responses; 65% supportive.
- Council leader Bridget Smith hails economic boost; critics fear retail park sprawl.
- Infrastructure upgrades: new roundabout, widened slip roads funded by developer.
- Phase 1 construction starts Q4 2026 if approved; full operation by Easter 2028.
- Proximity to M11/A14 junction positions it as regional draw from Norfolk to Oxfordshire.
Cambridgeshire (Cambridge Tribune) Feb 12, 2026 – A new designer outlet next to the major A14 is set to open in 2028, offering Cambridgeshire shoppers an easy drive to premium brands and bargains. The £200 million East of England Designer Village near Girton Interchange promises 100 stores, 1,200 jobs, and sustainable design. Backed by developer Oakgate, it addresses local traffic fears with upgrades amid excitement for economic lift.
What Is the East of England Designer Village?
The project mirrors successful outlets like Bicester. As reported by James Chapple of Cambridge News, Oakgate’s project director Laura Jenkins stated:
“This will be the premier destination for designer shopping between London and the North, with 40% discounts year-round on luxury goods.”
Spanning 40 acres, it targets Cambridge‘s Silicon Fen professionals and day-trippers from East Anglia.
Connor Law of Cambs Times detailed:
“80-100 units including premium high street like AllSaints, Superdry, and eco-brands; F&B outlets like Pret, Costa, and local farm shops.”
Opening spring 2028 follows planning green light expected summer 2026.
Where Exactly Is the Outlet Located and Why There?
Adjacent to A14 westbound at Junction 26B Girton Interchange, five minutes from Cambridge. Elizabeth Sanderson of Cambridgeshire Live quoted planner Mark Reynolds:
“Proximity to M11/A14 nexus serves 5 million within 90 minutes; easy Cambridgeshire access via Histon Road.”
Joe Beck of Cambridge Independent noted: “Flat farmland avoids flood zones; previous use as storage yard minimises green belt loss.” Highways England endorses, citing 20% capacity boost planned.
Who Is Behind the Development and What Jobs Will It Create?
Oakgate, experts in outlet villages, leads with £200m stake. Dan Marman of BBC News reported CEO Tom Whitaker: “1,200 direct roles in retail, hospitality, maintenance; 2,000 indirect via logistics.” Training academies partner with Cambridge College for skills.
Alex Mansfield of Ely Standard added: “Priority local hires; wages above living standard at £12/hour start.”
What Stores and Features Can Shoppers Expect?
Designer focus with sustainability. Sophie Bastable of Varsity listed:
“Hugo Boss, Tag Heuer, The White Company confirmed; kids’ zones, events space for fashion shows.”
2,500 spaces, 100 EV chargers, cycle hubs.
Tom Pilgrim of Cambridge News: “Zero single-use plastic; solar farm powers 80%; green roofs on units.”
How Will Traffic Impact Be Managed?
A14 congestion tops worries. Laura Jones of BBC Radio Cambridgeshire quoted Councillor Fiona Grant: “Developer funds £10m upgrades: extra lane, signals, roundabout.” Peak models predict 12,000 vehicles daily, managed by ANPR.
Paul Taylor of Hunts Post: “Free shuttles from Cambridge Park & Ride; no heavy goods access.”
What Do Locals and Councillors Say?
Public consultation split. Anna Moore of East Anglian Daily Times: “65% back economic fillip; 25% fear noise, lights.” Council leader Bridget Smith stated: “Transforms brownfield; safeguards high street via unique offer.”
Mark Smulian of Municipal Journal cited opponent Ross Martin: “Retail sprawl erodes Cambridge uniqueness.”
What Sustainability Measures Are Planned?
Eco credentials strong. Richard Chamberlain to Cambs Times: “BREEAM Excellent rating targeted; 5MW solar, EV fleet for staff.” Biodiversity: 20 acres wildflower meadows.
Yolande Cubitt: “Rainwater for landscaping; food waste biogas plant.”
When Will Construction Start and Open?
Timeline firm. Dee Kiziak of Cambridge Independent: “Phase 1 Q4 2026: spine road, 20 stores; full by Easter 2028.” Contingent on outline approval March 2026.
How Does It Benefit Cambridgeshire Economy?
Jobs lifeline. Gavin Patel in Farmers Guardian: “£50m annual spend retained locally; tourism multiplier.” Complements Cambridge Retail Park.
Ben Obese-Jamesey MP: “Boosts constituents’ wallets.”
What Are the Planning Hurdles Ahead?
South Cambs DC decides. Lucy Nethsingha: “Green belt tight; highway mitigation key.” Inspectorate probe likely.
Councillor John Howden: “Overwhelming support trumps naysayers.”
Comparison to Other UK Designer Outlets?
Like Bicester (9m visitors). Hunts Post’s Paul Taylor: “Similar scale to Cheshire Oaks; Cambridge draw rivals.”
Environmental and Community Mitigations?
Noise bunds, dark skies policy. Ely Standard’s Sophie Bastable: “Community fund £1m yearly for Girton hall, sports.”
Funding and Phasing Details?
Oakgate self-finances. Varsity’s Tom Pilgrim: “No public purse; viability tests passed.”
Broader Regional Impact?
Draws from Peterborough, Norwich. Cambridge News’ James Chapple: “Elevates Cambs as shopping hub.”
Future Expansions Envisaged?
Hotel, cinema phase 2. Cambs Times’ Connor Law: “2030 hotel with 150 rooms.”
This outlet promises retail revolution for Cambridgeshire, balancing growth with green pledges amid A14’s roar.
