Swindon Designer Outlet has officially opened its £40m restoration and renovation of the former railway works’ Grade II-listed Long Shop – a project that has created 350 jobs and strengthened its position as one of the South West’s leading retail destinations.
The extension, the first at the centre since 1999, has taken its retail space to 250,000 sq ft in what was once the largest industry complex of its kind in the world. 
Built in 1873 as an iron foundry and extended in 1890s and again in 1923, the Long Shop was an integral part of Swindon Railway Works, which produced locomotives, rolling stock and other equipment for the Great Western Railway and later British Rail.
It ended its days as a diesel engine repair shop before the Works closed completely in 1986.
Today it houses 25 new stores and five restaurants, taking the total number of units at the centre to 123. It has attracted a number of new retail brands to the site such as Coast and relocated existing occupiers such as Next and Marks & Spencer.
It has also expanded the centre’s food offering with national chains such as Giraffe and Soho Coffee Co and boasts a specially designed events space which for the next two weeks will house a vintage fashion festival hosted with A.N.G.E.L.O. – the biggest and most famous archive of vintage fashion in Europe.
Set to be the biggest event in the centre’s calendar this year, the festival will mark the first time that designer Angelo Caroli has showcased his vintage collections in the UK.
The pop-up is described as a treasure trove where vintage lovers can unearth and buy vintage pieces from the likes of Chanel, Hèrmes, Dior, Versace and Céline. There will also be a Timeless Style exhibition allowing shoppers to explore iconic designs and one-of-a-kind pieces that left an enduring mark on 20th century fashion.
The Designer Outlet was opened in 1997 by specialist developer McArthurGlen with a second phase added in 1999. McArthurGlen continues to manage the centre, although it is now owned by TH Real Estate within its UK Outlet Mall Partnership – an investment fund in which McArthurGlen has a stake.
The centre achieved a like-for-like sales increase – stripping out new store openings – of 10% over the past year and 20% over the past five years.
The centre, which now employs 1,100 people, attracted more than 3.5m shoppers last year. Its retail occupiers include Coast, Ghost, Hobbs, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, French Connection, Jaeger, Kurt Geiger, L.K. Bennett and Ted Baker offering year-round savings of up to 60%.
Centre manager Tina Cumpstey said: “The Long Shop refurbishment and advanced centre renovation has enabled us to enhance our shopping experience as a premium, high-quality destination. What better way to celebrate the beautiful restoration of this integral piece of Swindon’s history than with the launch of a vintage festival that champions the everlasting quality of fashion.”
Deb Heenan, chief executive of Forward Swindon – the town’s economic growth and regeneration company – added: “The opening of more high-quality shopping and eating options in our historic railway quarter is proving very popular with residents and workers all over Swindon. We are proud that Swindon has been chosen for such a major investment.”
The A.N.G.E.L.O. festival at the Designer Outlet runs until May 17.
