New Dobbies Proposed for York

A planning application has been submitted to the City of York Council for an £8 million new Dobbies Garden World at Fulford in York.

Adjacent to the York Designer Outlet, the proposed development would provide a state of the art garden centre and an enjoyable leisure experience currently unavailable in the area.  If approved, Dobbies Garden World is planned to open in Spring 2008.

The new Garden World would offer an extensive indoor and outdoor plant and gardening area, a Farm Foodhall boasting some of the finest locally sourced fresh and organic produce available in the region, a specialist Aquatics department, large restaurant with conservatory and a children’s play area.

The horticultural theme is planned to continue through an indoor gift range including books, cards and stationery, toys, candles and home fragrances, home accessories and perfumed body products

Dobbies are also proposing extensive free car parking, which will be open to those wishing to visit the York Designer Outlet, and coach facilities.  The site will be safely and conveniently accessible by foot, cycle and bus.  Pedestrian links from Dobbies Garden World to the adjacent Designer Outlet will enable easy access to the existing park and ride bus service available to York City Centre.

Set within beautifully landscaped grounds, Dobbies intend to locate the garden centre building in an environment of orchards, ornamental tree and shrub plantings and seasonal colour.  The garden centre will also include attractive themed demonstration gardens to inspire and entertain customers.

An ecologist would ensure local habitat was protected and where possible enhanced and boundary landscaping would consist of native plantings. 

Committed to ensuring the development adheres to the principles of ‘sustainability’, a minimum of 10% of Dobbies energy requirements would be derived from renewable sources, a ‘grey water’ system would be incorporated to recycle rain water and all timber used in the construction would be from sustainable sources.  An Independent Breeam assessment and Sustainability Statement has also been submitted to the City of York Council as part of the planning application.

Headquartered in Edinburgh, Dobbies is known for their innovative approach in combining destination based retailing with leisure and a lifestyle experience.

Stuart Wright, Director of Property and Development, comments:  “As well as providing a state of the art garden centre, the planned new facility will offer an enjoyable leisure experience and an attraction to the York area in its own right and we believe that the new facility will have a positive impact on the local economy.”