The owners of the Ashford Designer Outlet have unveiled details of their plans for a major expansion of the shopping centre.

McArthurGlen, who own 20 similar outlets across the UK and Europe, say that work to almost double the size of the Kimberley Way centre could start as early as next year.

If their plans are approved, the development could see the Outlet go from its existing 17,000 sq metres to around 30,936 sq metres.

But one major question remains unanswered .... where will the extension be built?

The existing Outlet has several undeveloped sites around it.

However, McArthurGlen say no details of location will be revealed until the planning application is submitted to Ashford Borough Council.

That is expected to happen in early 2014, and if it's approved work on the site could begin by late 2014, with a potential opening of the extension in 2016.

Gary Bond, McArthurGlen’s managing director, development said: “We will continue with the village-style theme of the centre, while at the same time bringing a new freshness to the whole centre, making it a very individual shopping experience.

“We have received tremendous support from Ashford council, who fully understand how the centre's expansion will not only create jobs, but also further establish Ashford Designer Outlet as a shopping destination, to benefit the local economy, especially the tourism sector.”

Full story in this week's Kentish Express.