Work begins on 180-acre development

Work has started on site on a 180-acre mixed-use development of the M5 in Gloucestershire.The development, led by Cheltenham-based property developer Robert Hitchins, will feature a designer outlet and lifestyle retail destination, a flagship garden centre, homes and a range of amenities.The Designer Outlet Cotswolds retail scheme will provide up to 90 shops, restaurants and cafés in a Cotswold-style village environment.The development will include the largest Dobbies Garden Centre in South West England and 850 homes, as well as a school, local centre and recreation facilities.The development is located immediately adjacent to junction 9 of the M5 motorway.Montel Civil Engineering has been appointed by Robert Hitchins as the main contractor for the first phase of infrastructure works needed to open up the development.The architect for Designer Outlet Cotswolds and the Dobbies Garden Centre is Gloucester-based Roberts Limbrick.