Cheshire Oaks’ 30th anniversary celebrates style, shopping and culture
Thousands of visitors to Cheshire Oaks were treated to a spectacular show at the centre’s highly anticipated 30th anniversary concert, which brought the community together in celebration.
Part of a campaign of anniversary activities, the free concert was intended as a gift to the local community, and delivered on its promise of surprise and spectacle to pay tribute to those who have been part of Cheshire Oaks’ journey since McArthurGlen opened the centre in March 1995 – marking our very first centre, and our entrance to the European outlet market.
As the UK’s largest designer outlet, Cheshire Oaks remains committed to innovation, retail excellence and community spirit. This event was so special as it also highlighted the centre’s ongoing support for local charities, including The Hospice of The Good Shepherd, Koala, Flynn’s Port in the Storm, and Claire House.
Over my 20 years in the McArthurGlen business, it has delighted me to see the incredible growth and evolution of Cheshire Oaks. With evolving guest experience, the introduction of new great brands and the delivery of outstanding centre architecture, we are never standing still.
It also makes me very proud to support our local community through the ever-growing charity work the team do, as well as the employment and training opportunities we provide to our area.
It remains an immense pleasure to be the General Manager of Cheshire Oaks and to lead Team Cheshire.
A History of Cheshire Oaks
Cheshire Oaks was opened in March 1995 with 101,000 sq ft of GLA (about 9,400 sqm), offering guests a choice of 35 stores. After several significant expansions, representing over £100 million of investment, the centre has since quadrupled in size. It now stands at 400,000 sq ft (about 37,000 sqm) and is home to 165 retail units, hosting favourite local and international brands and a range of F&B operators – 300 total brands have traded at Cheshire Oaks since 1995.
The centre has seen 160 million visitors since it opened, with an average annual footfall equivalent to the entire population of New York City. Its 90-minute catchment is around 9.5 million people, with over 3,200 parking spaces available onsite for those who visit by car.
Cheshire Oaks is a significant part of its local community. The centre is one of the largest employers in the northwest of England, with around 4,000 brand partner and McArthurGlen employees. The team partner with the Cheshire Wildlife Trust to protect the Greater Crested Newts that live in the nearby woodland, while keenly supporting local charities through annual partnerships.
