£1.5 million Dobbies Garden World in Edinburgh re-opens
Scotland’s newest and largest garden centre destination – Dobbies Garden World, Melville, on the outskirts of Edinburgh – had its grand re-opening yesterday (Friday)...
With over £1.5m investment, the revamped flagship garden centre will bring a horticultural centre of excellence to Edinburgh and the Lothians with a brand new Retail Village offering a total of 13 concessions within the outdoor space. The development has also helped to create around 50 employment opportunities in the area.
The new ‘shopping village’ features leading retail brands to complement the extensive range of goods and services offered by Dobbies including Lakeland, Edinburgh Woolen Mill and Tog 24.
Built with natural construction materials such as timber frame, the new structures have been developed in line with Dobbies’ eco-friendly commitments. A new covered walkway in the plant area will provide shelter for both plants and customers.
Dobbies chief executive James Barnes said: “It’s hard to believe that Dobbies, Edinburgh started out as a humble nursery in Lasswade over 75 years ago. We’ve undoubtedly come a long way in 80 years!
“Over 1 million visitors cross our doors per year and we expect a significant increase with our enhanced new offering. Our aim is to create an exceptional home and garden shopping experience in a family friendly, relaxed environment. We have therefore taken a great deal of care with our planning and investment to ensure we get it right, so that people from all over Edinburgh and the Lothians can have a great day out.
"Championing our role as expert horticulturalists since 1865, our new offering combines an outstanding range of quality plant and gardening equipment with a stylish destination for today’s consumer. We’re looking forward to welcoming both loyal and new customers to the all improved Dobbies, Edinburgh, in less than two weeks’ time and would urge everyone to come along and enjoy the opening celebrations."
The company’s UK headquarters have been located adjacent to the Melville garden centre since the store was originally constructed in 1975.
Dobbies Melville currently offers more than 10,000 plants, shrubs and trees and includes extensive outdoor areas and a specialist aquatics department within an attractive landscaped environment.
It also houses a Farm Foodhall offering locally-grown produce from Edinburgh and the Lothians, as well as the largest restaurant in the UK. While the top-quality 600-seater restaurant, serves freshly-prepared meals and home baking.
