AWBS Invests Six Figures in Major Oxford Garden Centre Upgrade
AWBS is making a six-figure investment in sister business Oxford Garden Centre, involving a major upgrade to the main retail building scheduled to take place during January 2027.
Oxford Garden Centre became part of the AWBS Group in October 2018, and we have continued to invest in the site and customer facilities since taking ownership.
This latest project will be the first major structural refurbishment of the main garden centre building since AWBS took ownership and is designed to improve customer and staff comfort, energy efficiency and is a significant investment the long-term future of Oxford Garden Centre.
Improving a building that has served customers for around 50 years
The main Oxford Garden Centre building is around 50 years old. During very warm summer weather, temperatures inside can become uncomfortable, while the older structure is also affected by drafts and leaks during colder and wetter months.
The new investment will address these issues through several major improvements, including:
- new 60mm insulated composite roof and wall panels
- a completely new combined heating and air-conditioning system
- a full electrical rewire, including upgraded energy-efficient LED lighting
For the first time, the main garden centre retail area will benefit from air conditioning, helping to create a much more comfortable environment for customers and staff during warmer summer weather. While the heating system will improve comfort through winter.
The aim is to make Oxford Garden Centre warmer in winter, cooler in summer and more comfortable throughout the year.
Continued investment in Oxford Garden Centre
This latest building refurbishment project continues a programme of investment in Oxford Garden Centre since it became part of the AWBS Group in 2018.
Previous improvements have included the installation of a large patio for the café in 2019 and the creation of the popular Four Seasons Feature Garden in 2024, alongside ongoing improvements to the site and customer facilities.
The 2027 Major Building Upgrade represents another significant step in AWBS’s long-term commitment to Oxford Garden Centre and improving the experience for customers and staff.
Working with Oxfordshire businesses
Specialist commercial glasshouse contractor Ebtech Glasshouse Systems will be supplying and installing the roof and cladding. We are also pleased to be working with several local Oxfordshire businesses on the project.
TRS Cooling will install the new heating and air-conditioning system, Sydenham Electrical Services will carry out the electrical upgrade, and Bans Intruder & Fire Systems will undertake associated fire and security system works.
Trading continues online during the works
To allow the work to take place safely and as quickly as possible, Oxford Garden Centre, including the outdoor sales areas and café, will close temporarily to customers from 1pm on 24th December 2026.
The current planned reopening date is 9am on Friday 5th February 2027, subject to successful completion of the works.
Customer will still be able to buy from Oxford Garden Centre online during the temporary closure, and their free local delivery service with continue to operate as normal Monday to Friday and weekday Click & Collect will also be available from 4th January.
Customers can follow the progress of the project through the Oxford Garden Centre social media channels, and AWBS will also be posting updates. You can read more about the Oxford Garden Centre major building upgrade on their website, and they will be running a wide range of stock clearance offers on the run up to the 24th December to clear space for the works.