Laylocks Garden Centre, Cotheridge, expansion update

We have previously reported Laylocks Garden Centre, in Cotheridge near Worcester, has been building a new shop development which is set to create new jobs. 

In the latest update, posted on February 18 on social media, the centre shared pictures from the inside of the enclosed building.

The centre said: "Development update.

"We now have an enclosed building - this is two out of the three new buildings, we are excited to move into it."

DEVELOPMENT: Laylocks Garden Centre (Image: Laylocks Garden Centre)

The garden centre has previously said it is opening the new development in March 2024.

In the latest update, the owners added: "Grand Opening Date to be announced next week."

Hannah Warr, a director at the centre, told us in the autumn: "We have a long way to go but we are on schedule which is brilliant news.

"We are just hoping for some good weather in the next few months so that work can continue unaffected."

INSIDE: The inside of the new development (Image: Laylocks Garden Centre)

The centre also previously promised a larger home and lifestyle department, and a bigger Christmas department "to make the festive season as magical as possible" each year.

There is expected to be around a five to 10 per cent increase in staff numbers once the new opens. 

Planning permission for the centre was granted by Malvern Hills District Council in February 2022 - with planning officers saying the garden centre played a key role in the local rural economy which the expansion would boost.

CENTRE: Laylocks Garden Centre (Image: Laylocks Garden Centre)

A report said: “The proposal represents an investment in the existing garden centre.

“The garden centre and associated horticultural nursery contribute to rural economic prosperity.

“The proposed development will allow the site to continue and enhance its role within the rural economy without affecting the viability of the nearest shopping centre.”