Stansted Park Garden Centre, Rowlands Castle

The Brief

Stansted Park Garden Centre lies within the grounds of 1,800 acres of parkland and ancient forest as part of the Stansted Park House and Grounds. The existing garden centre building was in need of refurbishment to live up to grandeur that can be found throughout the rest of the grounds.

Approximately a year ago the garden centre was taken over by Paul Richards and Tim Mason who were looking to expand following their successful new build garden centre in Studley; ‘Your Local Garden Centre, Mappleborough Green’. Prior to taking ownership they were well aware of the need for change; “We knew the group who had previously owned the site and knew they struggled with temperature control, it could reach 40 degrees in the summer and was freezing in the winter” explains Tim.

‘Your Local Garden Centre at Mappleborough Green’ was built by Newspan, so Paul and Tim knew they could rely on their experience in the industry to give them advice with the redevelopment. “We’d been talking to Newspan about the site’s potential before taking it on; the basic structure of the building seemed sound enough but improving the retail environment would be an immediate priority. Newspan worked closely with us to understand what we needed the redevelopment to deliver; we wanted it to be lighter, brighter and much more modern, as well as a comfortable temperature that was easy and cost efficient to control all year round”.

Radical Transformation
Multi-span roof transformed into fewer, wider and higher spans
Programmed to Suit Customer
The phased approach of the works were tailored to the customers needs, allowing trade to continue

The Solution

Discussions around the refurbishment started with a more traditional replacement on the existing roof and gutters, sticking to the Venlo layout of 3.2m spans. However, following in depth assessment of the existing frame Newspan proposed a remarkable idea that would transform the building, as Tim explains; “Newspan’s solution was to design a radical system that would transform our multi-span roof into fewer, wider and higher spans, adding extra framework above existing steelwork, totally changing the profile and creating a ‘cathedral roof’ effect”.

During the delivery phase Newspan’s approach is always a flexible one; if there is scope to amend their working practice to suit the customer without negatively impacting the project, then it will be explored. Newspan devised a phased programme of works, proposing to undertake re-roofing a third of the building at a time, from one end to the other. Tim explains how this helped his plans on site; “Not only did this mean that we could continue trading in two thirds of the building throughout, it was an enormous help in scheduling the full fit out of rest of the building so it could largely be undertaken at the same time, reducing the overall duration for which our normal trading was compromised. Newspan kept to schedule and were considerate of the other trades working on site. Their office team supported us fully with any queries or changes throughout the process, and the installation team were friendly and approachable – and finished on time!”

Upon completion the transformation was so drastic that the building is now unrecognisable from its previous form. Newspan handed the project over to Tim and Paul, on time, for them to complete the fit out. The finished product goes down as potentially the biggest transformation Newspan have ever completed. According to Tim, the customers are pretty blown away by the building and he is extremely satisfied with the performance too; “The outcome was that many of our customers didn’t even realise it was the same building – they thought it was brand new! Our 160-cover coffee shop and gift areas are now air conditioned, while temperature in the plant areas is controlled more traditionally with vents. It’s too soon for facts and figures, but we have every confidence that the building will be much more economical to run, and provide a welcoming and comfortable environment for our customers and stock all year round.”

"Getting the structure right here at Stansted Park was pivotal to the redevelopment, and Newspan supported us at every stage. We’re very happy with the outcome and would highly recommend them.”

Special Projects

Testimonials

“The new restaurant building is a big asset. Newspan were incredibly flexible to work with and gave us every support. They have been pro-active and helpful throughout.”

Mike Lind, Monkton Elm Garden Centre

“Newspan understood exactly what we were trying to achieve… Their excellent suggestion of working off our existing building’s steelwork was a smart move that saved costs, risks and complexity.”

Mark Farnsworth, Tong Garden Centre

“Before this, Newspan had built a new garden centre building for us at Mappleborough Green, but now they’ve proved equally capable with both new build and refurbishment projects.”

Tim Mason, Stansted Park Garden Centre

“Newspan have completed five or six projects here. I know I’m going to get a good job for a good price and we’re always looked after really well.”

Tim Goold, Henry Street Garden Centre

“Newspan applied a practical, no-nonsense approach throughout the refurbishment that kept things on track. The whole process was made really straightforward and uncomplicated, and was surprisingly quick.”

Richard Brann, Fillpots Garden Centre

“It was important to us that the new garden centre had an authentic glasshouse feel, which Newspan helped to create, flooding the internal space within with natural light. Trade quadrupled immediately after the redevelopment.”

Paul Richards, Mappleborough Green Garden Centre

“Our delivery targets were ambitious, but Newspan helped to organise a programme that delivered. The work ethic of the team on site was second to none and our office point of contact was first class throughout.”

Mark Farnsworth, Tong Garden Centre

“Newspan were competitive, but not at the expense of flexibility. They were accommodating throughout and communication was always really good.”

Jonathan Grainge, Whitegates Nursery

“Newspan’s proposal was competitive and they worked patiently with us to make sure we ticked all the boxes without going over our budget, but it was seeing the teamwork in action that made the choice for us. Feedback from our customers has been amazing.”

Paresh Raithatha, Ansell Garden Centre

“Over 20 years, we’ve worked with Newspan at least five or six times; we get on well and I know I’m going to get a good job for a good price. Newspan are never complacent and always competitive. For all the times they’ve won our business, they never take it for granted and we’re always looked after really well. This latest phase of development is looking really very good; once again, we’re very happy with what Newspan have delivered.”

Tim Goold, Owner, Henry Street

“We stayed open throughout the development. Our garden centre was fully operational, on time and on budget, in time for important Christmas season trading.”

Jonathon Glinos, The Old Moat Garden Centre, Manager

“Newspan’s price was competitive, but not at the expense of flexibility; they were really accommodating throughout. Not too ‘corporate’ for us in any way!”

Jon Grainge, Owner, Whitegates Nursery

“Communication was good throughout and thanks to the collected efforts of our both of our teams, the extended shop was up and running in time for a busy spring!”

Ian Hazon, Production and Ops Manager, Coolings

“Because of the slopes, the levels all had to be adjusted to enable the doors to operate smoothly, but Newspan soon sorted that for us. In fact, their team was brilliant – nothing was a problem”

David Mills, Owner, Clockhouse Nursery

“We knew that Newspan had a very good reputation in our industry. They applied a practical, no nonsense approach… We fully expect to work with them again as we continue to expand.”

Richard Brann, Owner, Fillpots Garden Centre

“The improvements are so significant I don’t think a first-time customer here would know our buildings aren’t new. They’re bigger, look great and perform better – and Newspan did it all much more quickly and cost-efficiently than we imagined possible.”

Phil Hodges, Managing Director, Almondsbury Garden Centre

“We’re not part of a large chain; refurbishing a three-span glasshouse was a big investment for us. Newspan gave us an overall price, but proposed a phased delivery so we could spread the costs and budget accordingly. It’s helped us to successfully implement our business plans… It’s a good working relationship that we see continuing for the long term.”

Jayne Webber, Managing Director, West Somerset Garden Centre

“The Newspan team has been incredibly flexible to work with, and has given us every support as we managed the project. They’re continuing to help us now the new building is in use, most recently designing an steel support system for windcatchers on the roof that facilitate natural air circulation in our conference room. They have been pro-active and helpful throughout, and the new restaurant building will be a big asset to the centre.”

Mike Lind, Managing Director, Monkton Elm

“With Newspan on board from our initial planning application, we had the perfect opportunity to start with a clean slate. Since the redevelopment, trade has quadrupled and is still increasing at a rapid rate.”

Paul Richards, Director, Mappleborough Green

“I wanted to say a huge thank you to all involved in this project… The objective of getting the Restaurant and Retail area opened to the target dates has been achieved and all areas now open to the public are transformed and looking absolutely stunning… It has been a pleasure to be part of the team.”

Andrew Hughes, Design Consultant, Pleydell Smithyman

“Working direct with the Newspan team has worked well for us – with their hands-on experience, they’re able to bring good suggestions to the table. I find them approachable and open to discussion, and on site they’re knowledgeable, flexible and easy to deal with.”

Paul Alford, Thompson’s Garden Centres

“The Newspan team are knowledgeable and helpful… I know I can trust them to get the job done to schedule. They are clean, tidy and organised on site, which is really important when customers are around, and they provide very good after-sales service.”

John Dipre, Ashstead Park Garden Centre

“As well as Blue Diamond’s previous experience of working with Newspan, we really liked their approach too. Their estimate was competitive, and I had confidence that they thoroughly understood the concept behind the design and wouldn’t compromise it in the delivery. They’ve also been pro-active in helping us to find solutions that improve not only the building’s aesthetics, but also its performance, particularly with ideas for increasing energy efficiency and reducing operating costs for heating and ventilation.”

Johnathan Goater, Goater Jones Architects

“We are pleased to have found in Newspan a company able to provide a first class design and build package for our sports hall and multi-function building requirements. Working closely with our own design teams we have formed a close partnership delivering practical and economical solutions to our clients. Being able to adapt to unique design challenges and reacting to tight on-site build schedules has been the key to our success, and having reliable suppliers like Newspan on board has enabled us to promote our core business ideals with confidence.”

Ian Lewis, National Sales Manager, Wernick Buildings

“Newspan’s refurbishment has provided our customers with a much more comfortable shopping environment. The increased height of the building makes it feel lighter and airier, plus it’s warmer and brighter. Changing the glass to cladding has made a world of difference to the appearance and ambience of the building – yet it’s predominantly the same structure. We’re very pleased with the work.”

Paul Alford, Thompson’s Garden Centres