April 28, 2022 12.22 pm This story is over 23 months old

Whisby Garden Centre unveils plans for bigger café, caravan site and holiday lodges

The extended café would look out onto the lakes
Proposed visuals of Whisby Garden Centre | Photo: Globe Consultants Limited 2022

Whisby Garden Centre has announced plans for a big expansion which will see an extended café, a new caravan site and holiday lodges.

The upgrade would siginificantly increase the size of the café, and create space for 39 touring caravans by the lakeside.

The application has been submitted as the garden centre looks to compete with other local destinations like Pennell’s and Doddington Hall.

Plenty of employment opportunities would be created, with 10 new full time and 25 part time jobs.

The application promises a much-improved café service looking out onto the lake. There is also the possibility of extending its opening time beyond the current daytime hours in the future.

The caravan site will initially provide around 39 pitches, with six nearby lodges, and the potential to expand if they prove popular. The application says these would bring thousands of pounds in tourism spending to Lincolnshire.

If the plans are approved, Whisby Garden Centre would also convert a home into offices, and construct a timber lodge for accomodation.

The application states: “The existing café/restaurant facilities at Whisby Garden Centre are, unfortunately, tired and operationally inadequate to offer the very high-quality amenity envisaged.

“Customers provide very positive feedback but the applicant is keenly aware that the potential is so much greater here and investment will benefit all parties, strengthening the business and its contribution to the local economy.

“In order to effectively compete with other successful destinations, such as those at Pennell’s Garden Centre and Doddington Hall, and realise the obvious potential that is on offer, there is a need to significantly upgrade the facilities available to both local customers and visitors to the area.”

The plans have been submitted to North Kesteven District Council, and will be decided at a later date.