Combined Dobbies/Tesco development in King's Lynn awaits approval

Joint plans to build a £8m Dobbies Garden World next to the already approved Tesco development in King's Lynn have been formally submitted to the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk.

This would be the first time Dobbies and Tesco would trade from the same building. Customers will be able to access both businesses through a single entrance, joined by a restaurant facility operated by Dobbies at the front of the store.

A report demonstrating public support has been sent to the council as part of the application.

Dobbies said the plans would create 120 full and part-time jobs, supported by formal in-house training programmes, so that 50 per cent of staff will have specific horticultural knowledge and expertise.

Stuart Wright, director of property at Dobbies, said: "We have been developing these plans for a great deal of time to make sure they are absolutely right for this important site in King’s Lynn and we are pleased to have finally submitted an application for what we believe will be a fantastic new destination for the region.

"Our plans demonstrate a new way of Tesco and Dobbies working together to allow our customers to benefit from the strengths of each brand. People in the King’s Lynn area will be able to enjoy an additional destination experience that the Dobbies centre will offer whilst customers are visiting Tesco to do their weekly shop."

Wright added: "We received a fantastic response about our proposals from local people with many telling us that they are excited about the prospect of a new garden centre on their doorstep as well as access to new jobs."

In 2010, Tesco received planning permission for an 8,000sqm superstore and petrol filling station at the 18ha former Campbell’s factory site in Kings Lynn. The site masterplan also includes provision for a new hotel, car showroom, restaurant and pub, as well as additional employment space as part of the second phase. When the site is fully completed, around 1,000 new jobs will have been created.

Meanwhile, Dobbies has also jointly won a Which? Gardening poll for best gardening and DIY product supplier.

Source : Matthew Appleby - Horticulture Week
www.horticultureweek.com