A PLAN for a £7m retail garden centre on the outskirts of Lisburn has been given the go ahead by the environment minister - four years after the application was lodged.
Scottish garden centre specialist Dobbies applied for permission to develop the 50,000 sq ft (4,645 sq m) Garden World on a 13 acre site at Strawberry Hill off the Saintfield Road in 2005. It will include a full range of horticultural goods, a theme
d garden attraction called Sensation and other items such as garden furniture, toys, gifts and food halls and restaurants.
How the development will look
Planners had recommended the scheme be refused but this week, in one of his last acts as Environment Minister, Sammy Wilson said he would be over-ruling that recommendation and giving the green light.
Stuart Wright, Director of Property at Dobbies, said: "We are excited at the prospect of opening a major new garden world, and our first in Northern Ireland, in Lisburn.
"We believe that our proposals will bring a quality garden centre to the area which will not only offer quality, range and value to garden and horticultural enthusiasts but also a unique day out destination for all the family."
Dobbies is the UK's second biggest garden centre retailer with 24 stores throughout Scotland and England.
The company says it offers a unique concept of recreation and leisure retail by aiming to inspire and educate and provide a 'day out' leisure experience for customers of all ages.
When the application was first lodged, the company said it hoped to be open in Lisburn by Spring 2007.
jenny.monroe@ulsterstar.co.uk
