Developers of a controversial retail and leisure destination in North Yorkshire say their plans have been delayed - and the earliest the site will open is now September 2024.

A spokesperson for the Scotch Corner Designer Village said the plans were "all going really well" with steel work going up and a list of retailers committed to the project, but that there had been a delay of about a year on the date that had last been discussed.

The problems have been caused by delays with securing certain building materials.

The site was planned to open on October 19, 2023, bringing to an end a lengthy wait for the development which was first approved by planners in 2015.

Last month residents called for a pause and rethink of plans at the site after the Designer Outlet Village under construction beside the caravan park, plans for the UK’s largest garden centre, as well as developments at nearby Dalesway Lodge and the latest plans for a  27,870sq m TV and film production studio campus.

 

There have been concerns about the amount of traffic being generated, the long-term viability of so many plans and the effect it will have on businesses in nearby towns and villages.

Local concerns were also increased by plans for a 52-acre business park down the road at Catterick.

Once complete, the outlet village will boast 80 outlets with Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Levi’s, Calvin Klein, Adidas and Joules among the brands already confirmed.

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The Northern Echo: The vision for the Scotch Corner Designer VillageThe vision for the Scotch Corner Designer Village (Image: Press release)

Promotional material released by the developers says the village is 'set to be the leading outlet and leisure destination in the whole of the North of England'.

It adds: "Reflecting the heritage and character of a Yorkshire village, Scotch Corner will attract over four million visitors a year in phase one and grow strongly from there."

The developers say independent research shows that it will be the UK's top six outlet in its first phase, moving to number four in the UK once at full maturity.

The Northern Echo: The entrance to the siteThe entrance to the site (Image: Newsquest)

Alongside the designer shops, the site will also boast a huge Blue Diamond garden centre and 2,000 parking spaces.

It will have electric vehicle charging points, a dog walking trail, food outlets and 'integrated leisure creating an exciting mix of interactive, immersive, fun and educational experiences for the whole family'.

 

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The Northern Echo: Some steelwork has gone upSome steelwork has gone up (Image: Newsquest)

 

The Northern Echo: The full plan for the siteThe full plan for the site (Image: Press release)