Ashford Designer Outlet has confirmed it plans to nearly double in size.

First revealed in August, the plans would see the shopping centre add another 150,000 sq ft of retail space to its current 183,000 sq ft.

Bosses at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet hope to submit a planning application in the early part of next year, with work set to begin in late 2014 if approved.

They hope the extension will be open by the end of 2016.

McArthurGlen managing director of development Gary Bond said: "With the planned expansion, we are looking to create the next generation of designer outlet, reflecting the quality of our flagship McArthurGlen Designer Outlets in Continental Europe, and taking the customer experience to a new level, bringing in exciting new brands, as well as café and restaurant concepts.

"We will continue with the village-style theme of the centre, while at the same time bringing a new freshness to the whole centre, making it a very individual shopping experience, together with the most sought-after brands on offer and the year-round savings of 60%.

"We have received tremendous support from the local authority of Ashford, who fully understand how the expansion of the centre will not only create jobs, but also further establish Ashford Designer Outlet as a shopping destination, which in turn benefits the local economy, especially the tourism sector."

The announcement of the expansion of Ashford Designer Outlet follows the expansion of McArthurGlen's Swindon Designer Outlet, where work is due to start this autumn.

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