Dobbies to Close Three More Garden Centres Amid Ongoing Restructuring

Dobbies has confirmed the closure of three more garden centres as part of its ongoing restructuring, with the sites set to transition to new tenants.

British Garden Centres has already announced it will take over the lease of Dobbies Northampton, which will cease trading under the Dobbies brand on 2nd March. Additionally, Leicester – Rowena will close its doors on 14th February, while Aylesbury – World’s End is set to follow Northampton in closing on 2nd March.

The closures appear to be linked to lease terminations by landlords, reportedly in response to Dobbies attempting to renegotiate rental agreements. New tenants are expected to be lined up for the affected sites.

Ongoing Site Changes

Dobbies initially identified 20 sites for closure or rental reduction. Of these, only two are still trading: Antrim, which Dobbies has opted to retain, and Lelant, whose future remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, the fate of three previously closed sites—Inverness, Kings Lynn, and Altrincham—remains unknown.

Confirmed Lease Transfers

Several former Dobbies sites have already secured new operators:

British Garden Centres: Gloucester, Reading (Shinfield), Gosforth, Havant, Morpeth (Heighley Gate), Rugby, and Northampton (closing 2nd March, then leased to BGC)
Blue Diamond: Harlestone Heath, Huntingdon
Yorkshire Garden Centre Group: Pennine
Stratford Garden Centre: Stratford-on-Avon
Squire’s Garden Centres: Hare Hatch (freehold acquisition)
Gates Garden Centres: Stapleton (Woodlands)

Sites Awaiting Further Developments

Closed with future unclear: Inverness, Kings Lynn, Altrincham
Closing soon with potential new operator: Leicester – Rowena (14th February)
Closing without confirmed new tenant: Aylesbury – World’s End (2nd March)
Still trading: Lelant (uncertain future)
Retained by Dobbies: Antrim

The shifting landscape of garden centre ownership continues to evolve, with further announcements expected in the coming months.

What do you think about these changes? Share your thoughts in the comments.