Tong Garden Centre, Bradford (Phase 1)

The Brief

Tong Garden Centre is one of the biggest independently owned garden centres in Yorkshire, set in 17 acres of countryside. The centre was taken bought by Mark Farnsworth and Tom Megginson in May 2015 and the pair haven’t looked back since, investing £4million in improvements to the centre and trebling the turnover since taking over.

Within the first couple of years Mark started planning a significant redevelopment and began working with architects Pleydell Smithyman on designs for substantial redevelopment. “We had become aware of Newspan from industry press and attending GLEE; they were included on Paul Pleydell’s shortlist of recommended contractors – we were impressed from the outset by their approach. The team were extremely thorough and efficient, always responding promptly and their 3D visuals really helped us to understand what the new buildings would be like, as well as demonstrating that they understood exactly what we were trying to achieve.”

The new structures were due to run alongside the existing building, which included a new cold house for plant sales, new events space and a new soft play facility. Newspan immediately set about investigating the existing steel frame to minimise new columns and foundations with a system that would also support a new gutter down the length of the building. Mark and Tom were happy with the suggestion; “Their proposal of working off our existing building’s steelwork meant we didn’t have to interfere with existing foundations to put new steel in. It was a smart move that saved costs, risks and complexity.”

Existing steel frame utilised
Extending off the existing steel frame avoided adding columns to valuable retail space.
Ambitious delivery targets achieved
"The work ethic of the team on site was second to none and they seemed largely self-sufficient, needing very little input from us to get the job done".

The Solution

Mark and Tom were very clear that on their desired handover date for each area of the project; “Our delivery targets were ambitious – the plant area had to be back in use for the busy Easter holidays, and our eagerly awaited soft play area needed to be fully up and running for the school summer holidays – but Newspan helped to organise a programme that enabled both of these important business objectives to be met, and delivered on it”.

With such a tight delivery phase the office and on-site teams maintained constant communication and through regular site visits. Newspan’s site team were committed, as always, and determined to maintain momentum throughout the project. “The work ethic of the team on site was second to none and they seemed largely self-sufficient, needing very little input from us to get the job done. Dan was our office point of contact throughout the design and build phases, ensuring continuity – he was first class throughout”, explains Mark.

The garden centre remained open throughout the entire project, with Newspan handing over areas a time for Mark to trade from. Whilst Tong were not only able to continue trading, they also maintained customer interest in the new additions to the site. Mark describes the reaction upon completion; “The response from our own customers so far has been extremely positive. The centre will come into its own now everything’s fully open. The indoor soft play centre has already increased footfall over the summer holidays, and we expect it to help us to achieve our ambition of being a venue with something for all the family, in all weather, as we move into the autumn. Christmas has always been a particular strength at Tong too; we’re very much looking forward to our first festive season in the new building.”

“We would absolutely recommend Newspan; we’re already looking at other projects and they will be very much part of our plans! The team were excellent, their care of everything from pricing through to completion was meticulous and we would certainly be happy to work with them again.”

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