WORK on a new shop development at a popular garden centre near Worcester is taking shape.

Laylocks Garden Centre, in Cotheridge near Worcester, posted a picture on social media showing the metal frame of its new shop taking form, a week into the project. 

The garden centre is aiming to open the new development in March 2024. 

Hannah Warr, a director at the centre, said: It is really exciting to see it taking form so early into the project. 

"We have a long way to go but we are on schedule which is brilliant news. We are just hoping for some good weather in the next few months so that work can continue unaffected."

READ MORE: Expansion work at Laylocks Garden Centre is underway

The centre also previously promised a larger home and lifestyle department, and a bigger Christmas department "to make the festive season as magical as possible".

It was also said that there would be around a five to 10 per cent increase in staff numbers once the new development is built and opens. 

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Planning permission for the centre was granted by Malvern Hills District Council in February 2022 - with planning officers saying the garden centre played a key role in the local rural economy which the expansion would boost.

A report said: “The proposal represents an investment in the existing garden centre.

“The garden centre and associated horticultural nursery contribute to rural economic prosperity.

“The proposed development will allow the site to continue and enhance its role within the rural economy without affecting the viability of the nearest shopping centre.”