Notcutts, the family-owned garden centre group founded almost 130 years ago, has completed a multi-phased transformation of its original historic site in Woodbridge, Suffolk. The project represents a significant investment and Notcutts’ long-term commitment to the future of garden centre retail.

The occasion was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on 31st July, where Caroline and Andrew Notcutt, great-grandchildren of Notcutts’ founder Roger Crompton Notcutt., were joined by the local Mayor of Woodbridge, Cllr Nigel Phipps.

Notcutts has a significant history in the Suffolk town of Woodbridge, founded in 1897 where Roger Crompton Notcutt purchased land as a modest plant nursery, driven by a simple belief that plants, gardening and time outdoors was good for the body and soul. That nursery became one of the UK’s first purpose-built garden centres in 1958, pioneering the modern garden centre as a new way for people to connect with plants and gardening, and it remains on the same site today. Woodbridge continues to serve as a flagship location for the family business, including Notcutts’ national Support Office.

The multi-million-pound transformation of Notcutts’ original garden centre site has been significant. Customers at Notcutts Woodbridge will now find a bright, welcoming new entrance leading to a 250-seater restaurant, an expanded outdoor plant area with all-weather canopy, a heritage woodland nature walk, and a completely refurbished indoor retail space, now home to a new food hall, clothing, homewares and gifts, furniture, a larger houseplant area and completely new pet care department. The garden centre has grown into a full leisure destination for all ages to enjoy, relax and spend time.

The project also reflects Notcutts’ commitment to sustainability, incorporating wall, floor, and roof insulation, rainwater harvesting and solar panels ensuring this historic site is as ready for the next century as it is proud of the last.

Caroline Notcutt, Vice-Chairman, Notcutts, said: “Woodbridge holds a very special place in our family’s story, generations of local customers and colleagues have helped shape who we are today, so it is wonderful to celebrate this new chapter just ahead of our 130th anniversary next year.

“While Notcutts has evolved since 1897, our love of plants, horticultural expertise and commitment to giving customers a warm welcome remains at the heart of everything we do.  We are investing because our customers and community matter to us deeply, and we want the people of Woodbridge and Suffolk to have somewhere truly special to come and enjoy today and for generations to come.”

Nick Burrows, CEO, Notcutts, said: “Woodbridge has always been an important part of Notcutts’ story, and we are extremely proud of what we have achieved through this complete transformation. The project has been shaped around the changing needs of customers today and for future generations, offering an enhanced retail and leisure experience while staying true to our passion for plants and horticultural quality.

“Our project in Woodbridge represents Notcutts’ long-term investment strategy to keep modernising and refreshing all our 19 garden centres nationwide. As a family-owned business with a significant 130-year heritage, we are committed to sustainable growth and demonstrating our continued confidence in the garden centre sector going forwards.”

Notcutts remains a family-owned business now into its fifth generation of family ownership, operating 19 garden centres across the country, each sharing the company’s commitment to helping customers bring their gardens and homes to life. For more information, visit www.notcutts.co.uk.