Bents starts work on £5.1m extension

BENTS Garden & Home has started work on a new building at its centre near Leigh as part of a £10m investment drive.

Preston-based Eric Wright Construction has been hired to build a two-storey, steel-framed retail and office building on Warrington Road at Glazebury.

It is part of a wider investment that has seen the family-owned firm build a children’s adventure play area, 10 acres of gardens and make car park improvements. It is also investing in renewable energy technologies.

The £5.1m project extends the centre’s restaurant and doubles the size of its food hall which will feature several fresh deli counters. It will also give it more space for children’s clothing and expand its pet department to incorporate a grooming room and a “pet cafe”.

Managing director Matthew Bent said: “We are delighted that the Eric Wright Group has embarked on this phase of our development project. We’ve worked hard to create a destination that is no longer just focused on the garden but also encompasses home, lifestyle, leisure and a day out.  

“The latest stage of our journey aims to build on the work we’ve done so far and create a one-stop-shop which provides visitors with a quality alternative to large scale shopping centres.”

John Wilson, managing director of Eric Wright Construction, said: “We are extremely pleased to have started work at Bents Garden & Home and we are confident that this work will significantly enhance the retail space, ensuring the company can continue to offer a multi-faceted shopping experience for all the family.”