Step forward for Alnwick garden centre

Northumberland Estates’ plans to build a new garden centre in Alnwick have taken a step forward.Earlier this year the company, along with centre operator Blue Diamond, revealed plans for the site on land at Cawledge to the east of the A1 near Alnwick.The proposal was subject to a public consultation, which proved popular with respondents.New figures showed that 74 per cent of people believe it would be a welcome addition to the area, with 73 per cent supporting efforts to increase the area’s retail options.Blue Diamond would occupy the site – adding to its 44-strong portfolio – which would include facilities for outdoor and indoor plants as well as areas for gardening products, leisure, homeware and outdoor furniture.The store represents an investment of around £13m from Northumberland Estates and would create more than 150 full and part-time jobs.Colin Barnes, director of planning and development for Northumberland Estates, said: “Our objective is to have the premier garden centre in the North East situated here in Alnwick and we are pleased that there has been strong support for our proposals.”A key part of our business objectives is to decarbonise some of our major assets, and we were pleased to see several respondents ask whether the project would incorporate renewable energy. EV charging, rainwater harvesting, and solar panels are being considered as options for the development and will be addressed in the planning application.”To improve traffic flow, a new roundabout at the junction of Shilbottle Road, funded by development in the area, including the Garden Centre, is scheduled for construction in 2024.”