Introducing Caledonia Park: RPMI Railpen transforms Gretna Gateway with £7m investment

RPMI Railpen (Railpen) has announced a £7m investment programme for Gretna Gateway Outlet Village, transforming the destination into Caledonia Park, Scotland’s premier designer village.

Designed by Urban Edge Architecture, RPMI Railpen’s plans include installing timber façade treatments to the units, adding canopies and enhancing the public realm.  The investment will complement the line-up of world-class brands, which includes Polo Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, and Nike.

The revitalised Caledonia Park has been carefully designed in a blend of heritage and contemporary Scottish architecture, and has been landscaped to seamlessly reflect the regional surroundings and native species. The structures have been revitalised in natural textural materials including recycled stone paving and locally-sourced granite, with cohesive and considered finishes throughout.

Adding to Caledonia Park’s offer are adidas, Reebok, Levi’s and The Cosmetics Company as the latest wave of brands commit to the destination.  Caledonia Park’s regional status will be further boosted by an oasis of world-class food and drink in the Dining Quarter, with a focus on local produce via a Caledonia Park Farm Shop.

Boasting excellent connectivity to key motorways, and accessible to a significant catchment, Caledonia Park is a regional hub that outperforms national and regional benchmarks, with year-on-year sales growth for the last six successive quarters.

Matthew Howard, Head of Property Asset Management at RPMI Railpen, commented: “Caledonia Park will be a vibrant hub for retail and dining in the heart of Southern Scotland.  We have seen outstanding performance to date, and the refreshed offer and re-branding will bring a new level of momentum for the village.  The strategic regeneration meets our core investment themes and lays the foundations for long-term growth.”  

The investment programme at Caledonia Park is due for completion in autumn 2020, although the re-branding is being implemented immediately.  The strategic leasing approach led by JLL and Johnstone PC is targeting complementary world-class designer brands and dining operators.  

RPMI Railpen’s revitalisation of the destination coincides with the UK government’s £394m Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, which involves significant and sustainable investments in the region surrounding Caledonia Park.

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