There is one garden centre in Surrey that’s making all others green with envy. Squire’s Garden Centres has re-launched its Milford centre with a bold new look and a firm commitment to sustainability, making it the eco-friendly flagship of the group.

The Milford site, a Surrey institution for 12 years, has undergone a remarkable transformation. While the garden centre has evolved over the years, the latest redevelopment has reimagined every aspect of the centre, putting sustainability at the forefront. It’s not just about enhancing the shopping experience; it’s about creating a future where customers and the environment thrive together.

“We are incredibly proud to unveil the transformation of Squire’s Milford,” said Sarah Squire, chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres. “I really it can be a place the community want to enjoy.

“This redevelopment represents a huge leap forward in our sustainability journey. Every detail has been carefully considered, from reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions to enhancing biodiversity, while making sure our customers enjoy a fantastic shopping experience.”

The centre now features solar panels on its roof, which reduce CO2 emissions by 23.5kg annually, while surplus energy is fed back into the grid during the summer months. The entire site also benefits from a new energy-efficient heating and cooling system, which eliminates wasted energy, improves air quality, and is ozone-friendly.

Water conservation has been integrated into the design with the installation of an attenuation tank to manage rainfall and prevent local flooding. This water feeds into a newly created wildlife pond that provides a sanctuary for local biodiversity. The redevelopment has also seen the use of sustainable materials, with 92 per cent of the site’s waste recycled and locally sourced materials used wherever possible.

The centre’s eco-credentials don’t stop there. A new smart lighting system automatically adjusts to the level of natural light, further reducing energy use, while a range of peat-free, UK-grown plants enhance the biodiversity of the area. Tree-root protection zones have been created, ensuring the existing trees are preserved. Native trees and ornamental shrubs will soon complete the landscaping, supporting local wildlife.

This commitment to sustainability is complemented by a customer-focused design. The centre has been expanded to offer an even wider range of plants, garden products, and outdoor living essentials.

Richard Wells, Centre Manager, said: “We’ve listened to our customers and created a space that’s more spacious and welcoming. It reflects Squire’s commitment to sustainability, and we’re excited to welcome visitors to see the results of all the hard work.”

Squire’s Milford now boasts a bigger footprint with a 30 per cent increase in space, providing better sight lines and improved mobility for customers. The new layout is designed to make the experience as enjoyable as possible from the moment customers walk through the door.

It’s a “Disney-esque” experience, with excitement building the moment you see the garden centre’s very literal grand opening.

Squire’s Milford is bloomin’ ready for spring – and is set to be the greenest garden centre in Surrey.