Variety retailer B&M, which has more than 600 UK outlets, is believed to be considering a garden centre format for the former Homebase store on the outskirts of Ipswich.

The company operates other stores in the town, including one on the Ransomes Euro Retail Park. At the time of closing this edition, B&M had not responded to GTN Xtra’s enquiry about the proposal or future plans for the Ransomes site.

Notices have appeared on the former Homebase premises announcing the company’s plans for an 11-week fitting out programme. B&M is also reported to have applied for a drinks licence for its discounted wine and beer sales.

The group is known to be keen to open a garden centre in Ipswich following successful gardening sales at its others in the region.

B&M, whose mantra is ‘top branded products at sensational prices’, regards gardening as a key category for its value offering and operates a number of garden centres within its portfolio of outlets that criss-cross the UK from Aberdeen to Penzance. Gardening was a significant element in the Homebase mix.