Family-run garden centre Garsons has successfully completed phase one of a major redevelopment of its Esher centre, re-roofing its existing gift and furniture area and extending the retail space.
The new roof, which is made of polycarbonate, creates a brighter shopping environment for visitors to the centre. "Having natural daylight in the centre was the most important thing to consider," Garsons director Ian Richardson told DIY Week.

Walls have also been moved to expand the shopfloor area, which has allowed Garsons to introduce a new craft section and pet department, as well as extending its cookware offer. Mr Richardson said of the pet section:"It is going exceptionally well. It was a natural extension for us."

The new development has allowed Garsons to further enhance its outdoor selling space too, with the addition of a new, attractive covered plant area, complete with striking herringbone brick flooring. "It's much better for creating displays in and our planteria manager has been doing a great job," said Mr Richardson.

The cafe at the centre, which is currently run by a concession, has also grown as a result of the revamp, with extra seating and a display area for cakes and pastries. However, the second phase of the development will transform the catering offer dramatically.

Phase two, beginning in June, will see the original covered plant area at the back of the centre, demolished to make way for a new highlight building, which will link the main body of the centre to a new restaurant overlooking Garsons' farm and pick-your-own fields. The restaurant will boast an additional outdoor seating area and, potentially, a soft play area. Garsons is also in discussions about running the eatery itself rather than outsourcing to a concession. Mr Richardson feels the new-look restaurant will be a real asset to the centre and make the of the charming views out over the farm. "We are currently installing a geothermal heating system under the fields to heat these buildings," he added.

The highlight building will feature an arched glass roof and should be completed by mid-November. "The second phase of the development should take around 45 weeks in total," said Mr Richardson. "We are really pleased with phase one and can't wait to see the finished article." While the retail footprint of the centre will not increase dramatically once the project is complete, Mr Richardson believes the space will be better organised and creates opportunities to expand into new categories. "There will be more potential to expand gift, and go into new areas, such as interiors and soft furnishings. We want to create that wow factor."

Meanwhile, the garden centre has just acquired a license to sell alcohol in its popular farm shop and is working with local producers to stock the shelves with wine and beer. "We are working with local vineyard Denbies, in Dorking, to stock their wines. We are also working with local breweries, including one in Claygate." Garsons farm shop has also been shortlisted for Farm Retailer of the Year, which is judged by the National Farmers' Retail and Markets' Association (FARMA).