Squire’s Garden Centres are a very successful 80 year old company with 15 centres in Surrey Sussex and Berkshire.  Their smallest site is on Holloway Hill, Chertsey.  Until 2 years ago it was also their head office.  It was a delightful garden centre with a charming listed building at the entrance containing a shop and checkout till.  Although limited in stock compared to most centres, the stock was always interesting, I would say at times exciting, top quality and could be delivered locally at very reasonable rates.  An advantage to me was that it was only one mile from my home so I could walk there, up and down hills, and get useful exercise on the way ( I am a Fitbit addict).

Sadly two years ago they closed down quite suddenly, with the plan to open within the year upgraded and with a cafe-bar!!!  Fantastic!!! The plan did not quite go to order, as of summer 2016 there was no sign of any development – I can only guess that there was problems with planning permission (Surrey Council again thwarting positive ideas for Chertsey).  However about two weeks ago I noticed that the land had been flattened – the lovely listed building still standing at the entrance.  And today I see that steel stantions have been erected and it is all in action as a building site.  A sign outside suggests that it will be opening in spring 2017, but my enquiries at their Horsell site suggests that it might be open as early as Christmas this year!!!!!

A press release in the “Surrey Advertiser” states. ‘Squire’s Garden Centres is getting ready for the opening of their newly rebuilt garden centre in Chertsey in early 2017 by recruiting people for various full-time and part-time retail and catering .  Positions include a Garden Centre Manager, Assistant Garden Centre Manager, Restaurant Manager, and various full-time and part-time Sales and Catering Assistants. You must be able to work alternate weekends and be available to start around the end of November 2016.    Squire’s is a successful family-owned garden centre group with 15 centres across Surrey, Sussex, Berks’.