Frasers Group adds Swindon Designer Outlet to growing UK retail portfolio

Hot on the heels of its acquisition of the 1.1 million sq ft Braehead Shopping Centre near Glasgow last month, Frasers Group has snapped up Swindon Designer Outlet as it continues to expand its UK retail property portfolio.

Swindon Designer Outlet, which opened in 1997, totals 250,000 sq ft and attracts over three million visitors annually.

With strategic physical retail locations like Swindon, Frasers Group says it “supports key brand partners’ outlet strategies – including Nike, Adidas and BOSS”.

Michael Murray, CEO of Frasers Group, said: “Physical retail is central to our ‘Elevation Strategy’ and investing in Swindon - one of the UK’s top five outlets by footfall - strengthens our position as both retailer and landlord.

“This acquisition reinforces our property strategy and unlocks new opportunities for our brands and our partners.”

In July 2024, Frasers Group acquired the Frenchgate Shopping Centre in Doncaster, which added to other acquisitions last year including the Overgate Centre in Dundee and The Mall in Luton.

Then, in October 2024, the acquisition of three more shopping centres were confirmed; Princesshay in Exeter, Fremlin in Maidstone, Kent, and the Olympus Centre retail park in the Quedgeley area of Gloucester.

In July this year, Frasers Group announced it had secured a £3 billion credit facility to support its rapid growth - a mix of term loan and revolving credit facility which replaced the group’s previous £1.65 billion arrangement.

The facility is valid for three years, with extension options of up to five years, and includes the potential for a further £500 million.

Shares in the group, founded by retail tycoon Mike Ashley, rose 0.5% following the news.

Frasers Group was advised by James Keany, Executive Director, Head of National Agency at CBRE, on the Swindon Designer Outlet acquisition.