Wyevale Garden Centres purchases Crowders in Horncastle

The sale - which confirms a story which appeared in the News two weeks ago - means Wyevale’s estate will consist of 153 centres across England and Wales.

Crowders Garden Centre is a privately owned, well-established horticultural business that has developed a long standing reputation for excellence in garden retailing and has served its customers since 1983.

It also has a unique and much loved Redwood Café and Restaurant, a community favourite offering a range of local and seasonal fresh produce as well as afternoon tea and freshly brewed coffee.

Kevin Bradshaw, Chief Executive of Wyevale Garden Centres, said: “I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to all our new colleagues at Crowders Garden Centre.

“I would like to take this opportunity to emphasise that, moving forward, it is very much business as usual at Crowders.

“The Crowder family has been serving the community since 1798, and so we plan to work closely with the team and the Horncastle community to decide how best to preserve the business’ unparalleled history.

“We are thrilled that Centre Manager, Ken Dawson, and the team will be staying on and are committed to helping us map out the centre’s future.

“This acquisition fits well within our aims at WGC; it will help strengthen our national presence and build upon our commitment to providing the ‘very best of local and national’ in garden centre retailing.”

Robert Crowder of Crowders said: “As a seventh generation owner of Crowders, I am pleased to say that Wyevale Garden Centres’ enthusiasm and determination to preserve our heritage assures me that they will continue to serve Horncastle with the same excellent standards we always have.

“WGC has promised to invest in our people, retain and enhance our diverse offering as well as work closely with our team to develop the centre.

“The Crowder family will retain and develop the rest of the business which includes the wholesale nursery and online business and we will work closely with WGC to ensure there is smooth transition of ownership.”

It is understood Mr Crowder will continue with proposals for a new development of 500 homes off Lincoln Road.

However, part of his plans included a new garden centre which could now be in doubt.