The new Notcutts Tunbridge Wells garden centre at Pembury was officially opened last week by Caroline Notcutt, the founder’s great grand-daughter, and the town’s Mayor and Mayoress.

The new 25,000 sq.ft.state-of-the-art centre has an extensive covered planteria, a 190-seater restaurant serving locally sourced produce, a butchery in the food department, a children’s play area and a pet department.

A ‘living wall’ greets customers at the entrance and rear of the building, which also features a bandstand area for demonstrations and enhanced disabled access. Eco-friendly features include solar panels, movement sensor taps to save water and a low energy ambient lighting system.

Caroline Notcutt, a non-executive director with the 19-centre group, cut the ribbon, together with the Mayor, Councillor Dr Ronen Basu and the Mayoress, Mrs Sue Basu.

Thje opening was followed by a week-end of events, including performances by the Mardi Gras jazz band and the Swinging Little Big Band; face painting, food tastings and birds of prey displays.