Broadcaster Jo Whiley officially opened Dobbies’ new flagship store at Tewkesbury as queues of customers flocked to the new development, brought to fruition by Robert Hitchins Ltd.
Jo was joined by ITV This Morning’s gardening presenter, Daisy Payne, and a host of VIPs.
“I’ve had a fantastic time opening Dobbies’ newest store. With such a diverse range of products, from plants and gardening to homeware and pets, there’s something for all members of the family which will make it a brilliant day out,” she said.
The new Dobbies is the first phase of a major 180-acre mixed-use development, brought together by Robert Hitchins Ltd, which also includes the forthcoming Cotswolds Designer Outlet, expected to open in 2024, and 1,310 homes being built to the south.
The whole development is sited in a prime location at J9 of the M5 and close to Ashchurch for Tewkesbury train station.
Simon Tothill, Property and Development Director of Robert Hitchins Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be working with Dobbies and investing with them into the future in what forms part of a large and exciting mixed-use development.
“We are bringing a lot of investment into the area – almost £20 million in infrastructure and up to 1,000 jobs. This is just the first phase with lots more yet to come. “
Spanning 74,200 sq ft, the Tewkesbury store represents one of Dobbies’ biggest garden centres and as well as creating around 100 jobs for local and neighbouring communities, it is expected to serve more than 750,000 customers each year – underlining the company’s ongoing growth across the UK.
The purpose-built store features heating and lighting generated by efficient low carbon energy technologies while rainwater harvesting has been incorporated for plant irrigation and all timber used in the fitout is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Through the Too Good to Go food surplus scheme, Dobbies will save fresh and delicious surplus food that would typically be wasted.
Graeme Jenkins, CEO at Dobbies Garden Centres, said: “As our biggest store in the Southwest, the opening of Dobbies’ Tewkesbury is an important and exciting milestone, and we look forward to being part of vibrant and visionary upcoming retail destination as the Cotswolds Designer Outlet develops.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in bringing the store to fruition for all their hard work and we hope our customers will enjoy the exceptional shopping experience that Dobbies’ Tewkesbury will offer.
“We also look forward to building on our work in the local community, having already started supporting Aschurch Primary School with a new vision for their garden and supplying great value products from the store.”
The Tewkesbury store features Dobbies’ range of plants, houseplants, gardening products, seasonal items, pet range, cookshop, home décor, gifts and toys, as well as a Walter Smith butcher and Waitrose products in the foodhall.
There is a Little Seedlings soft play area for children and a 10,000 sq ft restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.
Other guests at the opening included the Mayor of Tewkesbury Borough Cllr John Murphy, Dobbies’ team members, children from Ashchurch Primary School and charity representatives. Tewkesbury Town Crier Mike Kean Price brought an added touch of ceremony to the occasion.
