A garden centre in Wiltshire has been sold to new owners after more than half a century.
Whitehall Garden Centre Woodborough, near Pewsey, has been bought by Ranu Limited - an independent business that has been operating in the childcare sector.
The popular garden centre, which also has a farm shop and café, was established by Phyllis Self in 1970. The Self family also own Lacock Garden Centre, near Chippenham, which they will continue to run.
Claire Self, director of Whitehall Garden Centres, said: “When we made the decision to sell our Woodborough centre, it was important to us as a family to find the right buyer who will continue the store as a garden centre and keep our existing staff in their roles.
“We would like to thank all our dedicated and hard-working staff who have been part of the Whitehall team for many years, and we wish them all the best with the new direction of the store and the future.
“We would also like to thank all our loyal customers who have visited the centre over the years and supported us as a business and family.”
The acquisition, brokered by property firm Christie & Co, marks Ranu's first venture into the garden centre industry. It is understood the father-and-daughter team plan to run the centre with a long-term goal to continue improving and developing the business.
Raj Kumar, the new owner, said: “After almost 20 years of operating exclusively within the education sector, the time had come to diversify. This acquisition of Woodborough Garden Centre marks our first move into retail and garden centres with a commitment to upholding the prestigious reputation Whitehall has built over the years."
He added: “Woodborough Garden Centre will continue as a family-run business with strong community roots as established by Whitehall. The team on the ground has also cultivated a fantastic culture which we intend to build upon as we move forward. We look forward to welcoming both our existing and new customers in this exciting new chapter.”
