Nwf Regulatory News (NWF)

16 Apr 2007 07:01

NWF Group PLC16 April 2007 Embargoed until: 07.00 16 April 2007 NWF GROUP PLC OPENING OF NEW ASHTON PARK GARDEN CENTRE The sixth garden centre in NWF's portfolio opens to the public NWF Group plc ("NWF"), the diversified sales and distribution group, is pleasedto announce the opening of its new garden centre in Ashton Under Lyne - AshtonPark. Ashton Park is situated in the Ashton Moss area of Tameside within Snipe RetailPark, with access and exposure to the whole of the Ashton and Manchester areavia the adjacent M60. It is a large garden centre with a substantial outdoorplant area, a 150-seater restaurant plus a coffee shop. It currently employs 80people from the area, including qualified horticulturists. The centre offers arange of plants, furniture, gifts and locally sourced produce. Back in July last year NWF acquired Arthur A Gent & Sons Ltd, a garden centrecompany, just outside Manchester for £0.25 million. The business was located ina new seven acre site in Ashton with the benefit of planning permission for anew garden centre, held on a 50 year lease. Once the acquisition was completedNWF set in progress the building of the new garden centre, which comprises30,000 square foot of heated retail space and parking for 170 cars. The centrecost £3.5 million to build and has been furnished with £0.5 million of stock. Graham Scott, Chief Executive of NWF, commented: "I am delighted that we havenow opened Ashton Park. It has from the start been a very exciting project forNWF's Garden Centre division. We acquired a prime location within a fast growingretail area, and through an entirely new build we have constructed the mostcomplete garden centre facility in the locality. "This is NWF's sixth garden centre and it is pleasing to be implementing ourstrategy for growth in this part of our business. We have broadened our reach inthe North West and created a leading centre for all green fingered enthusiasts." For further information please visit www.nwf.co.uk or contact: Graham Scott, Chief Executive John West / Clemmie CarrNWF Group plc Tavistock CommunicationsTel: 01829 260 260 Tel: 020 7920 3150 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange