There could be more than 150 new jobs up for grabs if a new state-of-the-art garden centre is given the go ahead in Northumberland.
Northumberland Estates and garden centre operator Blue Diamond have applied to open a garden centre on land at Cawledge, east of the A1 near Alnwick.
Northumberland Estates, which represents the business interests of the Duke of Northumberland and the Percy family, plan to invest £13 million in the facility.
If the planning application is approved, it will be managed by Blue Diamond, one of the UK’s largest garden centre chains, and create more than 150 new full and part-time jobs.
The proposed site will have indoor and outdoor plant sections as well as gardening products, leisure and homeware and outdoor furniture.
The application was submitted by the businesses following a public consultation period. The response was positive, with over 74% of respondents welcoming the addition of a garden centre to Alnwick and 73% supporting efforts to enhance the area’s retail offerings.
Colin Barnes, Director of Planning and Development for Northumberland Estates, said: “Our objective is to establish the premier garden centre in the North East right here in Alnwick, and our plans reflect that ambition.
“We have taken into account the feedback from the public consultation, and our plans address several concerns raised, including the installation of EV chargers, rainwater harvesting systems, and solar panels.
“To improve traffic flow, a new roundabout at the junction of Shilbottle Road, funded by developments in the area, including the garden centre, is scheduled for construction in 2024.”
The proposals aim to expand the retail options available to residents of Alnwick and the surrounding areas. Blue Diamond has committed to sourcing local goods whenever possible.