REVO STUDY TOUR
Heritage Reimagined. Community at the Heart
Discover how a historic retail arcade is being reimagined as a community-led destination. Explore the vision, partnerships and practical decisions behind its regeneration, then experience the space first-hand on a guided tour.
11 NOVEMBER 2026 | THE ARCADE, DEWSBURY
BEHIND THE SCENES
How can a historic retail arcade become a community-led destination?
Go behind the scenes at The Arcade, Dewsbury, to explore how heritage-led regeneration and community-focused placemaking are reimagining a traditional retail space.
This study tour offers a first-hand look at the planning, funding, operation and community-engagement strategies behind the project. Discover the challenges, solutions and lessons learned, and explore how heritage preservation, tenant mix and public-sector collaboration can help create a destination that serves modern commercial and community needs.
Through presentations, a walking tour and discussion, gain practical insights to take back to your own town centres, high streets and regeneration projects.
Photography: Licille Moore
Why attend?
Go behind the scenes
Discover community-led placemaking
Take away practical insights
Connect with industry peers
MEET THE EXPERTS
Five perspectives. One destination.
Hear from the people behind the project.
01 / THE OPPORTUNITY
Simon Tothill
Robert Hitchins Limited
Responsible for the commercial property development and investment activities, Simon leads an experienced and innovative team of Development and Investment surveyors and has been involved in a number of major development projects throughout the South West, Midlands and South Wales.
Simon has taken the lead role in delivering Cotswolds Designer Outlet having joined RHL in 2014, securing Outline Planning Permission in 2015 for the Outlet, adjoining Dobbies Garden Centre and major infrastructure works to service the development and neighbouring Residential scheme and thereafter managing the development and letting of Phase 1 through to opening (16th July 2025).
Simon is now concentrating on the delivery of the next stage of development at CDO which is due to commence on site in 2027.
02 / THE BUILD AND DELIVERY
Jack Chemi
Bouygues UK
Jack is a senior Project Manager working for Bouygues UK for the last 6 years to secure and deliver fantastic projects. Including Castle Park View, an iconic project for Bristol. Prior to this he worked for Wilmott Dixon as a senior building manager producing award winning buildings and a former winner of West of England LABC Non Residential Construction Professional of the year.
03 / THE LINE-UP
Louise Evans
Multi-Realm
As Multi-Realm’s Asset Management & Leasing Director, I lead leasing performance and play a key role in the strategic management and commercial optimisation of our retail and outlet destinations, working with landlords, brands and centre management teams to drive income growth and maximise asset performance.
Louise and her team delivered an unprecedneted 98% occupancy at opening in July 2025 at what was the UK’s only new retail destination to open that year, picking up A GRO Dealmaker of the Year award in the process. With extensive experience in retail property, including previous roles as an Outlet Centre Manager and management positions with Debenhams and the Arcadia Group, I bring a combination of commercial, operational and leasing expertise to develop strategies that strengthen brand mix, improve occupancy and grow income.
04 / THE SET-UP
Adrian Field
Multi-Realm
Adrian is Centre Manager is Cotswolds Designer Outlet and joined the team 9 months before opening to successfully plan and deliver the launch of the new-build first phase. Prior to this he has a track record in BID, Town Centre and Shopping Centre Management in Worcester, Warwick, Cardiff and Malvern District.
05 / THE MARKETING
Andrew Duncan
Multi-Realm
Andrew is Head of Placemaking, Marketing and Communications at Multi-Realm and responsible for B2B and B2C marketing, branding, positioning and research behind the launch of Cotswolds Designer Outlet which was the 4th new build outlet scheme he helped to deliver. A multiple winner of numerous industry awards for marketing and repositioning including Purple Apples and Revo Golds, Andrew had a career in luxury goods retail before entering the retail real estate sector.
THE PROGRAMME
From insight to the on-site experience
The morning’s presentations set the scene for a closer look at the destination, with each speaker bringing a different perspective to the project.
01 / THE OPPORTUNITY
The vision and what comes next
Simon Tothill · Robert Hitchins Limited
02 / THE BUILD AND DELIVERY
Creating a new retail destination
Jack Chemi · Bouygues UK
03 / THE LINE-UP
Leasing, brands and outlet evolution
Louise Evans · Multi-Realm
04 / THE SET-UP
Opening and operating a new destination
Adrian Field · Multi-Realm
05 / THE MARKETING
The outlet customer in 2026
Andrew Duncan · Multi-Realm
06 / THE GUIDED TOUR
Explore Cotswolds Designer Outlet
See the destination first-hand, ask questions and discover the details behind the scheme. Goody bags will be provided.
Each presentation will last up to 10 minutes. Presentation times, registration and tour timings will be confirmed in the final programme.
THE DESTINATION
The Arcade, Dewsbury
A historic retail arcade being reimagined as a community-led retail and social destination, The Arcade provides a case study in heritage regeneration and the changing role of town centres.
Venue: The Arcade, Dewsbury, Market Place, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, WF13 1AB
Historic space. Fresh thinking. Practical lessons
Join us to explore how heritage and community can help shape the future of our town centres. Connect with industry peers, exchange ideas and take away insights to inform your own regeneration and placemaking projects.
11 NOVEMBER 2026
Be part of the conversation.