A garden centre is set for a major transformation just months after being put up for sale.
Sturmer Garden Centre, located in Sturmer near Haverhill on the Essex-Suffolk border, was listed for £2 million earlier this year due to financial pressures linked to supply chain issues.
Four months on, the site is now preparing for a significant makeover.
The main garden centre building will be repurposed into the Sturmer Barn Boutiques, a new retail hub designed to support small businesses.
Garden centre-related products will remain on the large site, and are being relocated to the “pot shop and old shop” area.
This will make way for the vibrant, year-round indoor market in the main retail building, focused on artisan food, drink, and lifestyle products.
Angela Andrea, co-owner, said in the announcement video: "[...] Our beautiful building with all our lovely little boutique spaces in the middle that you've loved are [going to] become boutique spaces.
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"So this little beautiful barn-style building is going to be known as Sturmer Barn Boutiques."
An open day is being held on Saturday, August 8, from 10am to 2pm for stall holders, crafters, makers, and boutique owners interested in securing a permanent retail space within the newly re-imagined centre.
"But we warn you, we are filling up fast," the Sturmer Garden Centre website adds.
"Book your slot to see the spaces, enjoy a glass of fizz and chat through any questions you may have.
"Plus you will be all ready to capture the Christmas rush by starting in September."
The spokeswoman explained the open day is an opportunity for small business owners to learn more about the benefits of taking a space in the new retail hub.
Tenants will have access to a permanent retail location without the need for daily setup or takedown, and will be able to join a community of up to 40 other small businesses.
Confirmed tenants include Aqua-Tech and Landscapes, specialising in pond products, and Tana's Trinkets, which creates handmade jewellery.
Spaces are available from as little as £3 per day for the smallest pitches, with each boutique allocated up to four square metres.
The central till team at Sturmer Barn Boutiques will manage customer service, sales, and payments, leaving tenants free to focus on stock and merchandising.
Businesses that sign and submit an "easy in-easy out" monthly License before close of business on August 9 will receive the prime sales time of August Bank Holiday weekend for free.
To book a no obligation walk-around, visit ticketscandy.com/e/the-barn-boutiques-open-day-19758.
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