A popular shopping centre will add a “new dimension” to its offering with the launch of a mini golf course.
As part of a new ‘summer garden’, the small adventure golf will be set up in the extension of the Ashford Designer Outlet from next Saturday (May 16).
How the mini golf course coming to Ashford Designer Outlet will look
It will feature six holes and cost shoppers £3.50 to play.
It comes as four new brands are due to open at the tented mall over the next few months, following the arrival of the Love & Crumble mobile desserts van.
Centre manager Peter Heritage said: “Love & Crumble marked the first stage of our new ‘summer garden’ area outside Polo Ralph Lauren.
“Once fully launched, this space will include a six-hole mini golf course.
“It will be operated by LCB Leisure – the company which also runs the site’s annual Christmas market.
Love & Crumble is the first arrival to the outlet’s ‘summer garden’ space
“There will also be a bar, Greek food, loaded fries and a welcoming seating area, creating a vibrant social space for visitors to enjoy.
“The ‘summer garden’ will add a fantastic new dimension to the overall outlet experience.
“The full space will officially launch on July 1, and the plan is for it to be open until September 2.”
Meanwhile, four new brands will join the centre this summer in a move which will see it fall just two stores short of full occupancy.
Mr Heritage confirmed Italian fashion giants, Diesel, is to return to the complex.
Mini golf is coming to Ashford Designer Outlet on the empty plot between Ralph Lauren and Starbucks in the extension
Diesel is returning to Ashford Designer Outlet after a five-year absence
It will fill the unit formerly occupied by Hugo, which shut in March, between Kurt Geiger and Only.
He added: “The brand originally opened here in 2016 and quickly built a loyal following, so we were genuinely disappointed when it left in 2021.
“Diesel has been at the top of our wishlist ever since, making its return a big moment for the centre.
“It’s a hugely recognisable brand that’s gone from strength to strength in recent years, and we know visitors will be really excited to see it back, with an opening hoped for around May or June.
“We do have a new premium streetwear brand close to signing a lease for the unit previously occupied by Jack Wolfskin, which is exciting.
Ashford Designer Outlet’s centre manager, Peter Heritage
“Unfortunately, we can’t reveal who it is just yet, but it’s an up-and-coming brand that’s generating a lot of interest and one we’re confident customers will really enjoy. They’re currently targeting an opening before the end of May.
“We’re also looking forward to welcoming a new gifting brand into the unit previously occupied by Belstaff, with an opening planned for May or June, as well as a well-known denim brand into the unit next to Hollister in July.
“In total, we’re expecting at least four brand new stores to open by July, which is incredibly exciting as we head into the busy summer period.“
The centre, which will also see Coach trade from a bigger unit within its extension in July, recently waved goodbye to Russell & Bromley.
Coach is to move into this bigger unit, formerly occupied by Lacoste, within the outlet’s extension
The company entered administration in January and was quickly snapped up by Next for £2.5 million.
It left the outlet after more than four years, having joined in October 2021.