Located in the heart of Lancashire, The Barton Grange Garden Centre first opened in 2008. Owned and run by the Topping family, the garden centre is part of the Barton Grange Group, which also includes a plant nursery, a marina on the Lancaster Canal and The Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre. Current Executive Directors, the brothers Peter and Guy Topping are looking into the sale, as they have decided to retire from the horticultural industry.
The discussions with Blue Diamond Garden Centres are concerning the Barton Grange Garden Centre and associated Garden Centre Plants (wholesale nursery), not the Flower Bowl or Barton Grange Marina, both of which are to remain central to the family’s long-term plans.
In a message to their clients, the brothers explained:
“We’re currently in discussions with Blue Diamond about selling Barton Grange Garden Centre and Garden Centre Plants (our wholesale nursery). It’s been a huge decision, but after careful consideration, it just feels like the right time. With the next generation focusing on new paths outside of horticulture, and both Peter and Guy ready to slow things down, we felt now was the time to make a change. Several of the younger members of the family are passionate about the leisure industry, so we’ll be keeping The Flower Bowl, the Marina, and most of the site at Brock.
“We’ve always been impressed with Blue Diamond, and we feel confident they’re the right team to take the Garden Centre and nursery forward. They share our values and passion for the industry, and we’re sure they’ll continue to build on what we’ve created here. The hardest part of this decision is saying goodbye to the people; our team and of course the wonderful customers who’ve supported us through the years. Your loyalty and enthusiasm have meant the world to us, and we’re incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved together. Thank you for being part of our story. As we begin this next chapter, we’re excited to have more time to relax and enjoy life, but we’ll always have a special place in our hearts for Barton Grange and for all of you.”
While discussions are ongoing, they have said that it remains very much business as usual. Neither party will be making any further comment at this stage.
