A family-run garden centre that was put on the market last year for £5 million has been sold to new owners with fresh plans for it.

Hawley Garden Centre in Sutton-at-Hone, near Dartford, has been acquired by Kent-based paving and walling manufacturer Castacrete.

The site was sold as a going concern and so will remain a garden centre.

However, the new owners have unveiled plans to open a mini golf course and a nursery alongside the existing complex.

The 7.6-acre site has nine independent concessions including a home office supplier, farm shop, dog grooming business, a car wash and Maidenhead Aquatics.

There are also a range of products sold including giftware, Christmas ranges, furniture, barbecues, compost, chemicals and bird feed.

The previous owners took over the Hawley Road garden centre in 1981 and developed the site from a basic plant nursery into what it is today.

The cafe is not operated by the owners and is on a short lease to an independent operator.

The previous owners got planning permission in 2018 for a single storey extension to the centre including extensions to the cafe and kitchen, outdoor seating and a children’s play area.

There is also triangular section of land to the southwest of the site that is currently undeveloped – however there is potential for further development.

The old owners also have planning permission for a glass house on this land and there is a four bed detached house on the site.

New owners, Castacrete were founded by Terry Smallman in 1966 in Dean Street, East Farleigh, near Maidstone. The company is now based in Commissioners Road, Strood.

He said: “We are delighted to take ownership of Hawley Garden Centre.

“We have some exciting plans for the future, which will hopefully include new additions such as a mini golf course and a possible children’s nursery.

“We will also be adding one of our own Roman Stone Landscaping Centres to the list of ever-growing attractions to the garden centre.”

My time for retirement brings reflection of how I’ve so enjoyed my everyday work life and have loved working in this industry

Outgoing boss Janice East reflected on her departure and wished the new owners good fortune.

She said: “It is with a huge amount of sadness that I will no longer be at Hawley Garden Centre.

“My time for retirement brings reflection of how I’ve so enjoyed my everyday work life and have loved working in this industry.

“Happily, both my son Darrell, and my daughter Morgan will continue to work at the centre and help to continue the success of the business for the new owners.

“I have every reason to think it will continue to flourish and be just as busy as we have always been.

“I shall miss the seasons but will eagerly keep in touch to watch the progress from a distance.

“Our wonderful staff and the many concession partners are a great asset to the new owners, and I wish them all the very best.”