Myerscough College to close Plant World garden centre and tea room

The entrance to Plant World and The Garden Room Pic: Myerscough College

A popular garden centre near Preston is closing its doors after more than three decades.

Myerscough College said it had taken the decision to close Plant World and The Garden House Tea Rooms.

The agricultural college, located near Barton, said rising running and maintenance costs meant the business was no longer sustainable.

Both Plant World and Team Rooms will cease trading on Saturday 31 August.

A statement from the college said: “As a business, we have to ensure we remain sustainable and that our activities fit both the college and student needs.

“Post-Covid, and with the ongoing cost of living crisis, escalating utility costs and maintenance costs, in addition to operating in an increasingly competitive marketplace, Plant World has experienced significant commercial challenges to remain financially viable, within the college’s wider operations.

“With this in mind, we have had to take the very difficult decision that the facility will close. The Garden House Tea Rooms will also close on the same day.

“We will be engaging specialist support to protect and preserve our plant collections and research facilities at the centre, transferring many of the tropical and specimen plants to our newer energy-efficient glasshouses.

“We would like to thank our amazing Plant World team who work extremely hard everyday to operate the centre and to provide such high-quality customer care to everyone who comes through the doors.

“The closure of Plant World is purely a commercial decision and will have no impact on student horticulture programmes. As we introduce new T-Level qualifications into our curriculum, the centre will continue to be used for student practical sessions, and qualifications and their overall experience will not be impacted.”

A closing down sale has begun with 75 per cent off all remaining plants and 50 per cent off all garden accessories.