Arboretum, an independent family-owned garden and lifestyle centre located in Kilquade, Co Wicklow has kicked off construction on the €4m redevelopment of its 2,390 sq m garden centre.

Building contractor Cascade Group has started on-site work, the company has a proven track record in successfully delivering landmark, bespoke residential and commercial projects across the country.  In addition, the Doyle’s commissioned international garden centre specialist Rabensteiner contractors to develop what will be their first garden centre in Ireland. Based in Italy and Germany Rabensteiner is renowned for its innovative design and expertise in bringing environmental technology and sustainable solutions to their projects. 25 construction jobs will be created during the redevelopment phase.

When finished the floor area of the new development and the current 17 exhibition gardens will span an impressive six acres.

When work is complete in Spring 2024 the entire retail space – including the garden centre, health and wellness, fashion and gifting sections and food hall – will be roofed. The popular restaurant will overlook the 17 beautiful exhibition gardens and accommodate over 100 diners.

Arboretum Kilquade will remain open throughout the entire refurbishment period albeit with a pared-back offering from a special temporary structure which will house a café, garden plants and gifting ranges.

Fergal Doyle, Co-owner and Chief Commercial Officer at Arboretum, said: “We’re delighted that work has got underway. This investment will future proof the business for many years to come, creating a really comfortable, enjoyable place to shop and socialise. We’re very excited about the future of Kilquade. Thanks to our customers and the local community for their support and bearing with us during construction works.”

The redevelopment will incorporate sustainable technologies. Rainwater will be harvested and used to water plants in the garden centre while solar panels will generate renewable electricity.

Barry Doyle, CEO, Arboretum said: “We are delighted that work has now commenced. I am  excited at the prospect of working together with all our contractors to create a stylish destination for all our customers, visitors, and the local community alike.”

The number of Arboretum jobs at the new state-of-the-art facility will increase by 25 bringing the total national workforce to 195.

The project is designed by Rabensteiner. CS Consulting is the engineering consultant and design team leads, Conway McBeth is the quantity surveyor and Cascade Group is the main contractor.  Sustainability elements are managed by Keylon Engineering Design Ltd.

Pictured above: Rachel Doyle, Founder; Barry Doyle, co-owner & CEO and Fergal Doyle co-owner & CCO, Arboretum Garden Centres; Ned Kelly, Site Manager, Cascade Group and Owen Sullivan, MD, CS Consulting Group.