TV gardener David Domoney reopened the Gosforth Garden Centre, promising shoppers a big surprise on its opening day.
The first 100 people got special goody bags. These bags held gardening treats. David Domoney cut the red ribbon. He is on “Love Your Garden” and “This Morning.” The center has new owners and they promise more plants and garden supplies.
David Domoney spoke at the opening, saying it would be a real treat. He knew the center well. He also talked about gardening and signed his books for fans.
The center closed last October because Dobbies said it lost money. This reopening is good for both the staff and customers. British Garden Centres bought the site; they also run East Durham Garden Centre. This announcement happened in January, with the company stating they think they can improve things. They kept 22 Dobbies employees.
They created fifteen new jobs and a carvery came to the store. Up to ten more jobs can potentially come from this, including seasonal or permanent roles. Martin Buckle manages the garden center. He wants to give new life to the site as the gardening season starts soon.
He wants to welcome the community as the store has a new look. Charles Stubbs founded British Garden Centres. He said they were happy to join Gosforth and want to improve the store to be a one-stop shop.
British Garden Centres now has 68 stores. They acquired Heighley Gate from Dobbies, and it will open next month. The company has 2,700 employees. The Stubbs family owns and runs it. They also own Woodthorpe Leisure Park.
They started in 1987, opening Woodthorpe Garden Centre then. Charles and Robert Stubbs are brothers.