Plans by Oldrids & Downtown for a £125m designer outlet centre in Grantham have been approved by South Kesteven District Council.

Located on land surrounding the existing Downtown store, the plans include a 220,425 sq ft designer outlet centre comprising 107 shops, which will be delivered in partnership with Freeport Retail and it will create more than 1,700 new jobs.

Richard Broadhead, Managing Director of Oldrids & Downtown, said: “We’re delighted that the planning committee has approved our application and recognised the extensive benefits this exciting new scheme will bring to Grantham and the wider area. Our huge investment will significantly enhance the retail offer and bring a host of new facilities and job opportunities to the region. This is a development that will attract visitors and tourists to the area, boosting the local economy.”

The proposals also include a new ‘Downtown at Home’ store, an indoor leisure unit, a new tourist information and visitor centre, and the redevelopment of the site’s existing garden centre to create a new and more modern environment.

The retail and leisure facilities will be complemented by space for new and growing businesses, including a high-tech hub and incubator start-up offices. In addition, the scheme includes the construction of a new training academy, which will be delivered in partnership with Grantham College.

The plans will also see the company make investment in the local area, which will improve transport infrastructure, road signage, public transport, town centre facilities, car park signage, tourism, education and training.