Garden centre sold in deal worth millions

From above Tong Garden Centre which has been sold in a multi-million pound deal.

Ron Harker appointed Ernest Wilson to review the market and find a purchaser for the 17-acre site following his decision to retire having owned the business since 1984.

The garden centre in Bradford has been purchased freehold by two East Yorkshire businessmen Tom Megginson and Mark Farnsworth who have substantial redevelopment plans.

Both Mr Megginson and Mr Farnsworth own several other businesses, including farm shop Williams Farm Kitchen in Hornsea and a Biogas plant, GWE Biogas in Driffield.

Mr Megginson said: “We have been looking for a new site and having been introduced to Tong Garden Centre by Ernest Wilson, it allows us to harness our previous business experience and take Tong Garden Centre from a successful business to a multi-million pound turnover business which will not only provide a fantastic destination for our customers but will also dramatically increase the number of employees thus helping the local economy.”

Jonathan Holmes, of Ernest Wilson, said: “As one of the largest independently owned businesses in West Yorkshire it has been a pleasure to act on Mr Harker’s behalf in the sale of Tong Garden Centre and ensuring Ron now enjoys a well-deserved retirement.”

He added: “The purchasers have some very exciting plans which I believe will really put this business on the map as one of the best garden centres in the region”.

Following a serious fire in 2000 the garden centre was completely re-built incorporating a range of buildings including retail sales, restaurant, warehousing, glass houses and poly-tunnels extending to over 110,000 sq ft with car parking for 700 vehicles.