Templepatrick based garden centre Colemans, has unveiled plans for a £5million investment to renovate and extend its facilities over the coming months, with an official opening of the new site expected this Autumn.

Coleman’s Garden Centre has gained a positive reputation from Northern Ireland’s gardeners. The garden centre supplies everything for gardens including trees, shrubs, bedding plants, compost, bark, pots, chemicals, seeds, bulbs, tools and garden furniture.

Phase one renovations of the garden centre, which was established in 1965 and is currently situated on a 10 acre site, features an 18,000 square feet building consisting of a garden centre and restaurant.

This first stage of the project will officially open later in the year, following the demolition of the current retail shop.

The new restaurant and shop, the design and layout of which has been developed in conjunction with creative retail consultants, Appetite Me, will be a licensed 200 seat establishment which will be built by May Estates construction company.

Managing Director Richard Fry commented: “Phase One of our development is already well underway and we are excited to see our plans take shape.  By adding an extensive variety of exclusive retailer and brands to the garden products and services we already have on offer, we hope to attract a wider audience from the local area and beyond, by way of our new 200 seat restaurant, to provide them with a unique eating experience of the highest standard right on their doorstep. In addition this new development will create around 100 new jobs in the area when we combine full and part time staff.”

The initial stages of the site’s renovation project will then be complimented by Phase Two of the development plans – the opening of an additional 32,000 square feet of garden centre retail.

Director of May Estates construction company Gary Hanna, commented: “It is a privilege to be able to work on the renovations of the prestigious Colemans Garden Centre, given that it has been such a reputable name in the Templepatrick, Antrim and Ballyclare area for well over 50 years now.”