DIYWEEK.net

An independent garden centre near Bristol is marking its 80th birthday this year by unveiling plans for a dramatic redevelopment.
Family-run Almondsbury Garden Centre is investing £5m in the project at the 18-acre site after the recent sale of its sister stores in Lechlade and Cheddar.

The work will involve an extensive rebuild starting in May next year and will be due for completion in the spring of 2015. The plans will see the demolition of the existing four greenhouses, which will be replaced by one state-of-the-art greenhouse that will follow the natural curve of the surrounding landscape.

A new restaurant and deli will replace the existing small coffee shop, and another 80 spaces will be added to the current 220 car parking capacity.

Said managing director Phil Hodges: "We're extremely excited about the plans for redevelopment at Almondsbury. It's important to my family and I that we do rebuild the garden centre, for both the community and the business itself. The support from our customers both far and wide is one of the main reasons for ensuring that we have a building and facilities that match the quality of our products and our team."

The plans will be on display at the garden centre from October 1 along with boxes for suggestions from customers.

"We now want to engage with our extended family to find out what they would like to see inside our new centre. We welcome ideas on our brand, colour schemes, uniforms, products," Mr Hodges said.

He added: "We've had a successful business in Bristol for 80 years and we see no reason why it will not be around for 80 more. We're building for the future."