Colchester: Mill Race Garden Centre up for sale on Rightmove

Mill Race Garden Centre, in New Road, Aldham, Colchester, has been listed on Rightmove with a freehold guide price of £2,500,000.

Listed by property firm Christie & Co Retail, the garden centre spans seven acres of land and has further scope for “development and expansion”.

Large - an outside area full of plants (Image: Christie & Co) Mill Race Garden Centre - more goods for sale (Image: Christie & Co)

Mill Race Garden Centre has become a popular destination ever since it was originally established in the late 70s.

Entrance - Mill Race Garden Centre (Image: Christie & Co) The Seaby family, the owners of Swallow Aquatics, purchased the business in 2004.

Managing director Nick Seaby said: “After much deliberation, we have made the heartfelt decision to sell the garden centre.

“In 2019, we initially considered selling but chose to hold off due to the unforeseen challenges of Covid-19.

Retail space - Mill Race Garden Centre (Image: Christie & Co) “During this period, we took the opportunity to enhance our facilities, including building a brand-new warehouse, and relocating and modernising our beloved coffee shop and restaurant.

“These improvements have positioned Mill Race as a thriving hub for garden enthusiasts."

Mr Seaby said the business was a "labour of love".

He added: “This decision was not made lightly. Over the past two decades, Mill Race has become more than just a business; it has been a labour of love and commitment to our community.

“As we look towards this transition, it's important to us that Swallow Aquatics remains an integral part of the garden centre experience.

Large - the Mill Race Garden Centre site (Image: Christie & Co) “We are committed to ensuring that its presence continues under new ownership.

“We deeply appreciate all the support over these years and trust that people will continue enjoying everything Mill Race offers during this exciting new chapter.”

The listed key features include its 120-space customer car park, on-site restaurant, the successful retail and online sales business, income from various tenancies on site, and a four-bedroom residential bungalow is included.

The successful buyer will also benefit from the garden centre’s combined retail and online sales revenue which is approaching a figure close to “£2,400,000”.

Mill Race Garden Centre also receives additional rental income from a dog grooming business and from a Scouts group who rent a building on site.

According to the listing, the owner of the site runs Swallow Aquatics and “would like to remain on site as a concession” with a new lease “created upon sale.”

To find out more, visit rightmove.co.uk/properties/154142600#/?channel=COM_BUY.