Six glass-sided kiosks can now be built at the Ashford Designer Outlet – but bosses have "no immediate plans" to construct the units.

Site operator McArthurGlen submitted plans last year to widen sections of the walkway around the original part of the centre to make space for the permanent kiosks.

Chiefs say the aim of the units is to replace the existing food vans and temporary structures that were installed during construction of the centre's £90m extension and have remained in place.

It is not known whether the tenants currently in the temporary structures – including American doughnut chain Krispy Kreme – will move into the glass-sided structures.

But the Designer Outlet says it is in no rush to build the kiosks after Ashford Borough Council approved construction of the units last month.

“We can confirm the planning application submitted has been granted by ABC," an Outlet spokesman said.

"While there are no immediate plans to undertake the works, we are committed to creating the very best shopping and leisure experience for centre guests, with new brand partners joining the Outlet over the next few months and into 2022."

If built, Outlet bosses say the units will "provide an opportunity for smaller brands and 'pop-up stores' to 'test the market' and take a smaller space within the centre before potentially expanding to a permanent site".

Reflecting on the relaxation of Covid measures in recent months, centre manager Peter Corr says he believes shoppers are feeling increasingly confident in returning to physical shopping.

"People are coming out and spending more – about a 25% increase in the average spend," he said.

"We're also seeing a lot more people coming from further afield including London."

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