Community Corner

Outlet Shopping Center Planned for Cheshire

The project, six years in the making, will begin construction next year, the developer says.

It's been six years since they first won Planning and Zoning approval, but now the Massachusetts-based WS Development says it's ready to go forward with plans to build on property it owns on Route 10 at the intersection of Route 691.

Last week the company released a statement announcing that it intends to construct a 500,000 square foot designer and brand name outlet shopping center on the property.

"This open-air shopping, dining and entertainment complex will also include public open space, walkways, recreation amenities, a residential component and full service grocer," according to the company's statement.

“The decision to build a destination outlet center is in large part due to the very strong retail interest in the project and the success of outlet centers today” said Mark Roberts, Senior Vice President of Leasing at WS Development. “With its convenient highway location and super regional access, the project is perfectly positioned within the state for outlet retail.” 

The developers first won approval for the property in 2007, just as the recession was taking hold here and across the country. The deteriorating market conditions stalled the project until now, company officials said.

The company will now have to submit its revised plans for the property to land use boards for approval. They hope to begin construction on the shopping center, which will include "top designer and brand name outlets," next year and open in the summer of 2015.

Construction will create about 400 jobs, officials said, and approximately 1,100 full and part-time permanent jobs when the center opens for business. It will generate about $1.6 million a year in property tax revenues and will "include significant public roadway and utility infrastructure improvements," the company said.

“Our goal is to create an exceptional outlet shopping experience to serve this growing market area with a great selection of designer fashions focusing on in-season and attractively priced merchandise while also delivering a project relevant to the local community," said Dick Marks, Partner at WS Development. "We look forward to being a great partner to the town of Cheshire and to bringing this world class fashion destination to New Haven County.” 







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