Wyevale sells John Browns site to Hillier Garden Centres

Wyevale Garden Centres has announced the sale of its John Browns site to Hillier Garden Centres.

It’s the second transaction with Hillier following the sale of four centres in April. The store will continue to be run as a garden centre and the sale is expected to complete by the end of September.

Wyevale also announced the closure of its Thatcham Garden Centre. The freehold and leasehold interest have been acquired by the current landlord, who has asked for vacant possession. The centre will close by the end of September.

Anthony Jones, COO of Wyevale Garden Centres, said: “I am very pleased that John Browns will continue to be operated as a garden centre, and by an operator that we now know well thanks to having sold centres to Hillier over the last year.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank our colleagues for their hard work and passion over the years, and wish them all the best for the future under new ownership.”

Chris Francis, retail and wholesale director of Hillier, added: “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of John Browns Garden Centre, joining the Hillier family business, growing the group to 17 garden centres serving customers across the South of England.

“The Hillier team look forward to working with our new colleagues and getting to know the local gardening community, inspiring them with our great quality products and wide range of home-grown plants, all backed by renowned Hillier expertise.”