The UK’s largest family-owned garden centre group which is taking over Northampton Dobbies is also set to transform a neighbouring site in Rugby.
It was announced in December that Dobbies, located on the Straight Mile in Rugby, would close as part of a restructuring plan aimed at shutting down ‘unprofitable’ stores.
It has now been disclosed that British Garden Centres will be assuming control of the extensive rural site, alongside the surprising news that the company is taking over the former Dobbies store on Newport Pagnell Road in Northampton.
The centre in Warwickshire, known as Rugby Garden Centre, will aim for a reopening in early March
A company representative stated: “British Garden Centres will keep the current team and collaborate with them to restock and refurbish, ensuring the centre’s ongoing success in its local community.
The restaurant will undergo renovation and include a carvery, resulting in the creation of 12–15 jobs. Additionally, the garden centre will hire 8-10 seasonal and permanent employees.
British Garden Centres, the largest family-run garden centre group in the UK, will expand its portfolio to 72 stores with the acquisition of The Newport Pagnell Road store in Northampton and the Straight Mile store in Rugby.
Dobbies had not previously designated the Newport Pagnell Road store for closure, as it announced that several units would shut down, including the one in Harlestone.
The Northampton Garden Centre will close temporarily for rebranding and restocking, with the takeover expected to be completed in March.
British Garden Centres stated it will ‘keep the current team and collaborate with them to revamp the site, ensuring the centre’s future development and its role as a community hub.’
Charles Stubbs, the founder and director of British Garden Centres, stated: “We’re excited to have Northampton Garden Centre join the British Garden Centres family. The acquisition in the coming month will provide us with a remarkable chance to change and rejuvenate this location, establishing a destination that the community will cherish.
Our dedication lies in collaborating with the current team to accomplish this goal and introduce new employment opportunities in Northampton.
“We are eager to begin and excited to welcome customers, both returning and new, back to the store.”
British Garden Centres also announced that there will be job opportunities available to drive the ongoing development of the site in both the garden centre and restaurant.
Charles Stubbs, the founder and director of British Garden Centres, stated: “We’re excited to have Northampton Garden Centre join the British Garden Centres family. The acquisition in the coming month will provide us with a remarkable chance to change and rejuvenate this location, establishing a destination that the community will cherish.
Our dedication lies in collaborating with the current team to accomplish this goal and introduce new employment opportunities in Northampton.
“We are eager to begin and excited to welcome customers, both returning and new, back to the store.”
British Garden Centres also announced that there will be job opportunities available to drive the ongoing development of the site in both the garden centre and restaurant.
The Stubbs family, who own and manage Woodthorpe Leisure Park in Lincolnshire, own and lead the group. In 1987, brothers Charles and Robert Stubbs opened Woodthorpe Garden Centre, marking the launch of BGC. It has experienced rapid expansion since 2018 through the acquisition of 50 garden centres, allowing it to grow from its core area into the business it is today, with 72 garden centres spanning from Carmarthen to Ramsgate and Wimborne to East Durham.
The group employs a team of 3,000 individuals across various sectors, including garden centres, restaurants, growing nurseries, distribution centres, Woodthorpe Leisure Park, and Woody’s Restaurant & Bar.
Blue Diamond, which also owns Beckworth Emporium, is taking over Dobbies in Harlestone.
Blue Diamond has kept its plans for the extensive site under wraps, but last month the Chron noticed ‘opening in Easter’ signs on the gate and saw workmen inside.
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