A £5m investment is set to transform a garden centre on the outskirts of Bangor.
The former site of Dicksons Garden Centre off the A2 dual carriageway is to be reinvigorated by its new owners, who plan to reopen it with a massive new business they say should bring 80 jobs to the area.
They want to redevelop the site as On The Square Emporium Antiques and Garden Centre, offering a vast array of antiques from collectables to jewellery and furniture, plus a garden centre, a farm shop and restaurant showcasing local produce, a children’s play area, an artist’s gallery and workshop space for public and community events.
The 5.6-acre site on Cootehall Road went on the market last year, and is now owned by Justro Properties Ltd – a firm headed by businessman Justin Lowry.
Mr Lowry already runs antiques store On The Square Emporium in Holywood Exchange Retail Park, but is now to relocate to Bangor with big dreams for a site he believes has ‘huge potential to lure visitors from near and far’.
Says Mr Lowry: “Originally Dicksons had a mix of garden centre and furniture, with furniture retailer Herons. We intend to bring back that mix but this time with antique and vintage furniture.
“Since the closure of Dickson’s Garden Centre, the majority of the space has been inactive, which is disappointing given the contribution it could be making to the local economy and tourism landscape.
“We have seen the rise of hybrid garden and antique centres right across the UK and they are proving hugely popular. This site therefore presents a transformational opportunity to bring a piece of this to Bangor.
“Our vision is to create a unique environment where people can explore, shop, connect, dine and participate in a range of activities suitable for individuals and groups of all ages.”
Over the 11 years that On The Square has been in Holywood Exchange, Mr Lowry adds, he’s seen a big change in buying habits as people want to get hold of solid, long-lasting chairs, tables and accessories instead of flat-pack ‘fast furniture’ made of non-recyclable chipboard.
“Antique furniture has a lot more character and will last a lot longer than most modern furniture as it is made from solid wood,” he says.
“With our workshop space we will also be running events where people can learn how to approach an upcycling project, restore antique furniture, learn to upholster or, through our garden centre, learn how to look after plants and make beautiful wreaths or flower arrangements for the home.
“The circular economy is a huge part of our business model; we are very keen to also provide a platform for small businesses and entrepreneurship to thrive through the offering of these events and through selling produce through the store.
“I’m really excited by the opportunity this venture presents to reinvigorate the site and become a key attraction, offering a new proposition for visitors to the area as well as a focal point for the local community and something they can be proud of.”
Long-standing tenants on the 5.6-acre site, Clearly Aquatics and Tobermore, will continue trading there for the foreseeable future, Mr Lowry said, while a public event giving details of upcoming plans is also on the cards.
