A family gardening centre business is behind the building of a new store in Ballymena in Northern Ireland that could create 60 jobs.
Work on the £2 million centre starts next week on the estate of Galgorm Castle, with a planned opening in Spring next year.
The company behind the venture, Creative Gardens, was founded by the Gass family 30 years ago in Donaghadee, Northern Ireland. It currently employs 100 people at two locations – one in Donaghadee and one in Bushmills.
Diana Gass, who runs the family business with her two sons and daughter, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to run a garden centre in such a beautiful setting and we will do our best to enhance and add to the atmosphere at Galgorm.
"We look forward to offering the people of Ballymena a relaxing and inspirational experience when they visit!”
The Galgorm estate, which also includes a championship golf course, is funding the building of the new centre while Creative Gardens has agreed to buy all the fittings and stock. It will have a 30-year lease on the garden centre.
The new centre has been in the planning stage for several years, with experts Paul Pleydell and Mike Gilbert playing an important part in the design and negotiations from the outset.
“These days so many national and multinational companies dominate the business world, so we are proud to be a Northern Irish company employing local people and sourcing local products where possible," said Diana.
The new centre will feature a 150-seater Café restaurant offering the best in home style cooking.
Pictured above: The Gass family from left to right: Philip, Jenny, mother Diana and Oliver. Top: Artist's impression of the new £2m garden centre.
