£8million garden centre in Peterborough opens its doors

16:28 19th August 2011

Dobbies Garden Centre in Peterborough opened its doors today to a wave of optimism after local dignitaries were left swooning following a special preview last night.

The mayor of Peterborough, along with local councillors and business leaders, was wowed by the new eco-friendly garden centre.

Leader of the council Marco Cereste told Peterborough Today that the city was now an environmental leader after this investment.

"Not only has Dobbies built this wonderful centre providing about 140 jobs, they have introduced a real environmental aspect to what they have done," he added.

Fears have been raised in some quarters that the opening could have an adverse affect on the roads around Hampton but a spokeswoman for Dobbies assured the public they had worked closely with the police to prevent gridlock.

The centre which sells gardening equipment and homewares also includes a food hall selling locally sourced produce.

Dobbies has 26 garden centres nationwide and has been working in the field of horticulture since 1865.