Renovation garden centre Ruxley Manor
Monday 25 November 2024
Roof replacement
In January 2025, we will replace the roof of a canopy at the well-known Ruxley Manor Garden Centre in Orpington, England.
Renovating Ruxley Manor: A Bright Step Forward
Interview with Andrew Evans, Managing Director of Ruxley Manor Garden Centre
“Looking back, I wish we had renovated earlier”
At Ruxley Manor, one of England’s most iconic garden centres, preparations are underway for an important renovation. We spoke to Andrew Evans, Managing Director of Ruxley Manor, about the upcoming project and the impact it will have on the garden centre.
Why did you decide to renovate the roof now?
“We’ve been planning and thinking about this renovation for three years, weighing our options. Now that I know the renovation can be completed in just a few weeks, I honestly regret not doing it sooner. Smiemans Projecten showed us that even older roofing systems from other suppliers can be renovated. I didn’t know this was possible—most suppliers can only work on their own systems. The fact that we don’t need to replace everything but can still upgrade to modern standards made this the ideal solution for us.”
Why is this the right time for the project?
“The timing is perfect for us. We’re doing the work right after Christmas, which is typically a quieter period for garden centres. By the time Spring arrives, a very busy season for us, the new roof will be in place and everything will be ready to welcome our customers.”
What benefits will the renovation bring?
“The existing roof is outdated and has become discoloured over the years. It blocks too much light, which impacts the quality of the plants displayed underneath. The new polycarbonate roof will significantly improve light transmission, creating the ideal conditions for our plants to thrive. Better light means healthier plants, which in turn ensures better quality for our customers.
The renovation will also improve the overall look of the garden centre. A refreshed, clean appearance is important to keep attracting customers. The competitive environment for garden centres is tough, with rising energy and labour costs putting pressure on margins. By investing now, we’re ensuring Ruxley Manor remains a top destination for garden lovers.”
How do you feel about working with Smiemans Projecten?
“So far they’ve been great to work with. What I appreciate most is their flexibility and expertise. They didn’t just propose replacing the entire system but showed us how we could modernize and reuse parts of the existing structure. That approach made the project more affordable and sustainable. Plus, knowing that they’ll complete the work quickly and without disrupting our operations is a huge relief. The disruption to our customers will be minimal and we will soon be ready for a busy spring season.”
Looking to the future
This renovation marks another step in Ruxley Manor’s ongoing efforts to improve the customer experience and adapt to changing challenges in the industry. With Smiemans Projecten’s expertise, Ruxley Manor is preparing for a brighter—and lighter—future.
Interested in a similar renovation for your garden centre?
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