Visitors to Hamstreet Garden Centre, part of the family-run, independent Grovewell Garden Centres group, can expect a transformed experience over the next few months following an extensive refurbishment.

The centre has undergone a major upgrade, with a complete redesign aimed at modernising the facilities and enhancing customer convenience.

One of the most notable developments will be the introduction of a new, larger restaurant, set to open in mid to late summer. This addition is part of a broader vision led by director Edward Boult, who recognised the need for a comprehensive overhaul.

“I felt that the garden centre was back to front, with the plant area at the front and the car park at the back,” said Boult. “Added to that, the site was in desperate need of revamping and repair.

Significant changes have already taken shape. The greenhouse that previously housed the old entrance at the rear has been removed, and a new, impressive, glass-clad main entrance featuring a hipped roof.

The plant area has been restructured with the addition of new polytunnels, creating a partially covered section, while a spacious brick-set layout enhances organisation and visual appeal.

A spacious car park, complete with extensive underground drainage and lighting to mitigate the site’s predilection for water pooling, flanks the front of the building and includes dedicated parent-child, disabled bays and electric vehicle spaces.

The development also includes a newly-built extension, offering a larger indoor shopping area alongside an expanded restaurant space. The finishing touches are now being applied, with flooring work underway and the installation of electricity and lighting nearing completion.

The new shopping area was scheduled to open in time for Mother’s Day weekend, providing visitors with an early opportunity to experience the transformed site. With further enhancements still to come, Hamstreet Garden Centre is shaping up to be one of Kent’s premier destinations for gardening enthusiasts and shoppers alike.