Malcolm Scotts Consultants gains planning permission for redevelopment of centre, releasing more than one hectare of land.
The major new garden centre development at Redfields will offer improved facilities on an efficiently planned, reduced site, according to developers Malcolm Scotts Consultants.



The company has finally got the go-ahead for the redevelopment at the site in Fleet, Hampshire after what it described as "considered and lengthy negotiation" with the Local Planning Authority.



Plans reveal that the garden centre building's floor space will almost double in size to 6,000sq m, while covered open-sided canopies will link the rest of the site to the main building.



The existing buildings at the Redfields site in Fleet, Hampshire, will be replaced by a new symmetrically designed building and new showers and changing facilities will be provided for the 120 staff who work at the centre.



The new development will feature a new compact open plant sales area, 341 car parking spaces and improved storage and distribution facilities to help support home delivery and internet shopping services.



The redevlopment will release over one hectare of land and sustainable measures will be employed to run the site, including low pressure underfloor heating, solar hot water collectors and water collecting and storage systems for irrigation in the plant sales area.



Landscape proposals include the planting of 67 native trees to "enhance biodiversity and wildlife habitat".



Redfields Garden Centre owner Malcolm Goater said: "The new centre will be more attractive and environmentally friendly than the current one and will safeguard the jobs of the 120 staff, as well as creating six new full-time jobs. This ensures the future of the garden centre and its staff."



Work will begin on the centre this autumn, with the final phase of the development due for completion in spring 2011.