A MUCH-LOVED Hartlebury garden centre, which once won the silver award at the Chelsea Flower Show, is set to close amidst plans being lodged to build new homes on the site.
De Beers Garden Centre and Cafe, on Worcester Road, has announced it will be closing on March 28.
The short statement, which was published on social media, said: “We will continue to trade up to and including the day of March 28.
“The team would like to thank all our suppliers, customers and of course our dedicated staff for their support over the years.”
Of the 24 homes, 50 per cent would be affordable, with the application also proposing the relocation of the nearby bus stop, public space, highway and public transport improvements.
This follows an outline planning application being submitted to Wychavon District Council, asking for permission to demolish the garden centre and to build up to 24 homes.
In planning documents, the applicants, Bluecrest Land (De Beers) Limited, said: “In recent years, the Garden Centre has attempted to create a more consistent income, and various alternative occupiers have been introduced to the site in order to diversify.
“Unfortunately, the additional services and offerings have not been successful and this has led to the consideration of alternative uses for the entire site.”
De Beers Garden Centre is an independent, family-run business which was founded in 2008.
Formally known as Fuchsiavale Nurseries, the garden centre has attended and exhibited at all of the major RHS shows, having won medals, including a silver at the Chelsea Flower Show.
There are also a variety of stalls in store, including antiques, a clothing boutique, a toy shop, handmade crafts, a local ironmonger and the Palm Tree Cafe.
Saddened customers took to social media to react to the news.
One said: “You will certainly be missed.
“We have always loved coming for our ‘get-togethers’ there.
“Good luck to everyone for the future and thank you.”
Another described it as ‘the end of an era and family history’.
And one poster wrote: “This is so sad to hear. We have enjoyed the cafe for such a long time, and the shop is lovely.
“The staff are always friendly.”
A consultation on the homes’ proposals ended last month.
Visit the Wychavon District Council planning portal and search for application number: W/25/01088/OUT for more information.
