LONG-established garden centre Coleman's has completed a £5 million refurbishment and extension to its facilities at Templepatrick which has doubled its workforce from 50 to 100.
The new phase includes adding a dedicated farm shop and butchery to complement the existing garden centre and cafe, which trade alongside a popular Edinburgh Woollen Mill concession.
And Coleman's has also added five new concessions - Menarys, Pavers, Mountain Warehouse, The Works and Klass clothing.
The expansion includes a 250-seater licensed restaurant with a menu which reflects its ethos of sourcing local and supporting independent artisan producers.
One of the best-known names in gardening in Northern Ireland, Coleman's has built its reputation in offering high quality nursery stock and sundries to Northern Ireland's gardeners, stocking a range of trees, shrubs, bedding plants, compost, bark, pots, chemicals, seeds, bulbs, tools and garden furniture.
Established in 1965, the centre is set on a 10-acre site and features an additional 32,000 square feet building consisting of a farm shop and butchery.
Managing director Richard Fry, who has worked for Coleman’s garden centre for almost 30 years, said: “Phase two of our development has created a real sense of anticipation over the past number of months as we have watched our plans take shape.
“By adding an extensive variety of exclusive retailers and brands to the garden products and services we already have on offer, and the addition of a new farm shop and butchery, we hope to attract a wider audience from the local area and beyond.
“Now visitors can take advantage of our 250-seat cafe with a unique eating experience of the highest standard right on their doorstep.
“In addition phase two will create another 50 jobs in the area, when we combine full- and part-time staff, it brings the total workforce within the garden centre to more than 100."
He added: “In our new farm shop and butchery we have formed close partnerships with local producers who are doing something unique and brilliant. We're are sure this will become an important part of the community in Templepatrick for many years to come.”?
Kathryn Irvine, business development manager at contractors JH Turkington & Sons Ltd, who completed the building of phase two, said: “It's been a privilege to work on the renovations of the prestigious Coleman's Garden Centre, given that it's been such a reputable name in the Templepatrick, Antrim and Ballyclare areas for well over half a century."
