Garden centre set to embark on second phase of £10m journey

A Warrington based garden centre is set to embark on Phase 2 of its £10m vision for the future.
The family run Bents Garden & Home centre will begin work on the latest stage of its mission to become the North West’s ultimate garden, home and leisure destination in early January.
The latest stage in the Bents’ journey includes major extensions to existing departments and the addition of a number of new leading brand concessions; together significantly enhancing the amount of retail space at Bents. Work will also commence on the construction of a new roundabout on the A574, Warrington Road.
As part of the works, the award winning Fresh Approach Restaurant will undergo a major extension and the popular Food Hall will double in size to include a several fresh deli counters. Both the Children’s Boutique and Pet Care department will increase in size with plans for a groom room and pet café.
MD Matthew Bent 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 focused on the garden but also encompasses home, lifestyle, leisure and a day out. The latest stage of our journey aims to build on the work we’ve done so far and help us reach our ultimate mission; a one stop shop which provides visitors with a quality alternative to large scale shopping centres, without losing any of the choice, quality, levels of service or family friendly environment that we have established a reputation for.”
Phase 2 plans also incorporate a number of community initiatives demonstrating the wider role the Centre plays. Work on an extensive children’s play area and community allotments will be complete in late 2014, which – along with the new roundabout – will provide the village of Glazebury with an attractive and welcoming entrance feature.
Once work is finished plans will get underway for the third phase of development, which will include a 2 storey glazed atrium and striking new entrance area which will tie together various elements of the project and complete the new look Bents Garden & Home.