DIYWEEK.net

Phase two of the £10m expansion at Bents Garden & Home is set to get underway in January, the company has announced.
The latest stage of work at the family-run Warrington centre includes major department extensions and the addition of several new brand concessions. Building work includes the construction of a new roundabout near the site and the Fresh Approach Restaurant will undergo a major extension and the food and drink ranges will grow as a result.

The Food Hall will move into the new section of the building and is set to double in size, with new fresh produce counters being built. As well as this, both the children's boutique and pet care departments will increase in size with plans for a groom room and pet café.

The work is part of Bents' "vision for the future" and its mission "to become the North West's ultimate garden, home and leisure destination", it said. Matthew Bent, managing director said: "We've come a long way since the Bents' business was established by my grandparents nearly 75 years ago and the journey so far has been hugely enjoyable.

"Feedback on the work we've carried out to date has been extremely positive and despite growing in size we want to retain all the great things we already do. We want to keep the great feeling and ambiance we have worked hard to create, but in a bigger store. Whilst never forgetting our gardening heritage we've worked hard to create a destination that is no longer just focussed on the garden but also encompasses home, lifestyle, leisure and a day out."

Phase two work also includes an extensive children's play area and community allotments, which will be complete late next year, and major investment into renewable energy technologies. Underground pipes will provide geo thermal energy, electric car charging points will be available in the car park and two-thirds of water used in the garden centre will be recycled from the existing 16m litre on-site reservoir.

Once work is finished, plans will get underway for the third phase of development, which will include a two storey glazed atrium and new entrance area which will complete the company's new look. Work on the first part of the project took place in the summer when the children's adventure play area and Wild Wings Birds of Prey Centre were built, improvements were made to the car park and work began on the 10.5 acre environmental gardens.