Whitehall Garden Centre sells £1.25m Wiltshire branch

Whitehall Garden Centre’s Woodborough branch, near Pewsey, had been on the market for several months and has now been bought by Ranu Limited.

The business will continue to be run as an independent, family-owned garden centre by father and daughter duo Rajendra and Anjali Kumar.

It opened for the first time under its new management team on Thursday, August 21.

Claire Self, director of Whitehall Garden Centres, announced the transition and emphasised the importance of ensuring the site remains a garden centre.

Whitehall Garden Centre (Image: Rightmove) She said: "When we made the decision to sell our Woodborough centre, it was important to us as a family to find the right buyer who will continue the store as a garden centre and keep our existing staff in their roles.

“We would like to thank all our dedicated and hard-working staff who have been part of the Whitehall team for many years, and we wish them all the best with the new direction of the store and the future.

“We would also like to thank all our loyal customers who have visited the centre over the years and supported us as a business and family.”

Whitehall previously owned three centres in Wiltshire and the southwest, but sold its Whitchurch store, near Bristol, to Otter Garden Centres in late June.

It has retained its branch at Lacock, which is known for its popular Christmas displays.

The Self Family, which is behind the Whitehall brand, says it will now be focusing on this store.

A spokesperson said: “We are now looking to the future of Whitehall Garden Centre, Lacock, with the build of our famous Christmas shop currently underway, opening on September 26.

“Our new focus is to work as hard as we can to bring you the best experience and day out for all the family at Whitehall.

“With lots of exciting new plans for the future of our Lacock centre.”

Any gift cards purchased at the Woodborough store can still be used in the Lacock centre.

When the Woodborough garden centre was on the market, estate agent Christie & Co claimed the branch’s turnover was around £1.5 million.

The site has indoor and outdoor retail sections as well as a farm shop, gift shop, and children’s play area, across 17 acres of land.

The agent’s listing added there is potential to develop and expand the business further.