Cotswolds Designer Outlet - Awnings Installation Project
Artistic Blinds & Shutters were awarded the contract to manufacture and install more than 100 retractable awnings at the new Cotswolds Designer Outlet in Tewkesbury, located just off the M5.
This large-scale project took several years of planning and months of on-site work to complete.
The Challenge
Discussions for the project began in 2021 when the architects first enquired about potential awning solutions. After years of planning, the official order was received in 2024 once the main contractor, Bouygues UK, was appointed. Artistic Blinds & Shutters had already been specified as a nominated supplier, but delivering a project of this scale required careful coordination with multiple contractors across the site.
One of the key challenges was assisting with the infrastructure of electrical and data cabling across the shopping village. Power and data needed to be in place at every building so that, once installed, all awnings could be seamlessly connected and operated through a single digital touch screen. As the awnings were the last decorative element to be installed, our engineers worked tirelessly over several months to ensure everything was completed to the highest standard.
All of the internal electrics, motors, the automatic weather station, and the digital touch screen were supplied by Somfy UK.
Their expertise and support ensured the electrical infrastructure was correct from the outset, and they played a crucial role in commissioning the awnings at the end of the project.
This partnership allowed the entire system to operate reliably and efficiently from day one.
The Details
Every awning was finished with a custom valance, hand-painted by a professional signwriter using our traditional signwriting method. This bespoke detailing allowed each brand at the outlet to showcase its identity directly on the awnings, creating a unique and consistent look throughout the village.
A weather station was installed on the top of the security building. It monitors sun, rain, wind, snow, and ice, adjusting the awnings automatically in line with the weather conditions.
The system also incorporates timer functions to align with the outlet’s daily opening and closing hours, ensuring convenience and protection without manual intervention.
The Outcome
The Cotswolds Designer Outlet is now open and trading, with over 100 handcrafted awnings proudly in position across the site. Despite being one of the last features installed, the awnings have become an iconic part of the development’s overall aesthetic and functionality.
Artistic Blinds & Shutters are extremely proud of the finished result. The combination of skilled craftsmanship, hand-painted branding, and seamless integration with Somfy’s advanced control systems has created a visually striking and highly functional shading solution. This project highlights our capability to manage and deliver large-scale installations, while also providing bespoke artistry that makes every awning unique.