The disappointment of Dobbies closing in Havant was short lived with the announcement that Havant Garden Centre, run by British Garden Centres, would be taking its place and keeping staff on. The new garden centre opened its doors on Saturday, March 15 with Havant MP Alan Mak cutting the ribbon.
Changes have been made since the old garden centre closed including a new-look restaurant, while popular features such as the soft play are and Harbour Vets have been kept. Havant Garden Centre is pet friendly and sells a range of plants, garden furniture, barbecues, gardening essentials, tools and machinery and landscaping.
There are a number of opening offers available to customers including Erin Compost 3 for £10 and Tomorite for £3. Gardening enthusiasts queued outside, eager to peruse the goods on offer.
The News was able to have a look around before the store opened.
Here are 30 pictures of the new Havant Garden Centre:
21. Havant Garden Centre
Alan Mak MP with Havant Garden Centre manager Mat Muscat. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (150325-029) Photo: Chris Moorhouse
22. Havant Garden Centre
The new centre is run by British Garden Centres who took over the Dobbies location when it closed earlier this year. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (150325-005) Photo: Chris Moorhouse
23. Havant Garden Centre
Sue Sanders from the horticulture team gets to work at Havant Garden Centre. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (150325-011) Photo: Chris Moorhouse
24. Havant Garden Centre
Havant Garden Centre had a soft launch for staff training this week but the official opening day was Saturday, March 15. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (150325-009) Photo: Chris Moorhouse