Dobbies, which has been inspiring gardeners since 1865, is hoping to create a major new eco garden centre - ‘Dobbies Garden World’ - in a multi-million pound investment in its first store in York.
A planning proposal due to be considered by City of York Council later this month seeks to create a new sustainably designed garden centre adjacent to the York Designer Outlet at Fulford. The store will bring 120-140 jobs to the area and will be the largest centre in the region to be built using renewable timber construction.
The Dobbies Garden World concept seeks to place environmental sustainability at its heart. The proposed development will incorporate many eco friendly and sustainable ‘green’ features, including:
- The use of sustainable timber structure and cladding, green plant clad walls and green sedum roofing to create a natural look and feel to the building
- Extensive new landscaping to demonstrate Dobbies horticultural expertise and themed display gardens (including Sensory Garden, Garden of Plenty, and Eco Garden) showing visitors how to create popular garden designs as well as grow their own fruit and vegetables at home
- The use of renewable energy systems such as microgeneration turbines, biomass boiler, energy efficient light fittings with sensors, and solar panels to ensure as much as a quarter of energy usage comes from renewables, together with a grey-water recycling system
- An innovative new visitor attraction called “The Greenhouse” - a purpose built learning centre designed to encourage adults and children alike to learn about sustainable lifestyles and the natural environment, and will also be available as a community resource for use by local schools and community groups
- An area in-store devoted solely to sustainable and eco-friendly products such as home renewable systems, compost bins, wormeries, water butts, rain collectors and a wide range of organic gardening products, making it easier for York residents to live more sustainable lifestyles
- The appointment of an environmental champion at the new store to drive continued best practice and innovation, together with recruitment of an ecologist during construction to ensure the local habitat is protected and, where possible, enhanced
- Creation of a new publicly-accessible orchard
- Excellent sustainable transport links via adjacent park and ride bus routes, cycle parking, and connection to local pedestrian and cycle routes
Dobbies Garden World York will additionally offer an extensive range of carefully selected inside and outdoor plants, trees and shrubs; a Farm Foodhall boasting some of the finest available locally sourced produce, and a specialist aquatics department. It will also feature a large restaurant area and children’s play area.
Stuart Wright, Director of Property at Dobbies, said: “Horticulture and sustainability are at the core of the Dobbies Garden World experience and we aspire to create an enjoyable and inspiring leisure and retail destination for the people of York and visitors to the city. We have been engaged in detailed discussions with City of York Council since the beginning of the year, and very much hope to be granted planning approval later this month.”
The proposed development has already won strong support from the York Designer Outlet, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, and Visit York. Market research has also indicated strong local support for a major 21st century garden centre facility in the York area.
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