BUSINESS AS USUAL IN 2025:
BUYS DOBBIES HARE HATCH AND WILL OPERATE THE GARDEN CENTRE FROM FEBRUARY.
ALTHOUGH DOBBIES ARE ‘CLOSING DOWN’, THE GARDEN CENTRE WILL REMAIN HERE, BUT BE RUN BY NEW OWNERS SQUIRES.
ALL STAFF AND CONCESSIONS, INCLUDING BERKSHIRE GARDEN BUILDINGS ARE HERE TO STAY!
PRESS RELEASE DATED 9TH JANUARY 2025:
Squire’s Garden Centres announces the freehold acquisition of Dobbies Hare Hatch Garden Centre, a move that will safeguard jobs and secure the future of the site.
Hare Hatch becomes Squire’s 17 garden centre. The purchase involved buying the freehold from the landlord as well as assuming operation of the site.
Hare Hatch was one of the 9 garden centres that Dobbies had planned to retain in Dobbies’ restructuring plan at a reduced rent. However, by declaring their wish to reduce their rent Dobbies presented the landlord with an opportunity to break their lease.
Harvey Spack Field, the specialist retail advisor, working on behalf of the landlord, KFIM, facilitated the transaction, following Dobbies Garden Centres Limited’s Restructuring Plan. The structure of the agreement allowed the transaction to conclude swiftly, which will enable Squire’s Garden Centres to assume responsibility for the site with minimal disruption.
Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, commented: “We have been pleased to work effectively with the landlords to agree a deal, in principle, which secures the future of this outstanding site. We are working on this as quickly as we can and hope to announce timings in the coming days.
“We look forward to getting to know the garden centre team and working with them in the future, as well as building relationships with the local community. We consider there is every opportunity to grow the business significantly in the next few years.”
The site continues to trade while the transfer takes place. Dobbies are holding a clearance sale.