Project Overview
Redevelopment of an Existing Nursery into a 3,500m² Garden Centre with Integrated Retail, Dining and Extensive Landscaping.
Amiri was appointed to redevelop a brownfield nursery site in Aldermaston into a new, high-quality garden centre for Rosebourne. The project comprised the construction of a large single-storey building of approximately 3,500m², together with extensive car parking and landscaped external areas. The new facility incorporated a modern farm shop, restaurant, butchery and plant centre, and was delivered alongside a client-appointed fit-out team.
From the outset, the project was driven by a strong pre-construction ethos focused on fully understanding the client’s vision and brand experience. The team visited existing Rosebourne centres to observe how the spaces were used by staff and customers and worked closely with the lead architect to align on design intent. This early engagement built trust and ensured that the construction phase reflected the ambition and quality expected from the finished building.
Key Challenges & Solutions
Lack of Mains Power and Water at Project Start
The site had no access to permanent mains water or electricity due to delays from statutory providers, creating a risk to programme start and completion.
Amiri supported the client in securing temporary power and water supplies, enabling works to commence on time. When permanent connections were still unavailable at completion, the building was fully commissioned and handed over using temporary services, ensuring no delay to opening.
Environmental Protection and Ecological Constraints
The redevelopment required careful management of existing wildlife and a strong focus on sustainability.
Four hundred koi carp were safely netted and re-homed, while yellow-legged mining bees were relocated to newly installed invertebrate boxes nearby. Excavated material was reused on site to raise car park levels, reducing waste removal and vehicle movements. In total, 94% of waste was recycled or diverted from landfill, including timber reused by a charitable organisation.
Complex Floor Construction with Extensive Underfloor Heating
The building required approximately six miles of underfloor heating pipework beneath a large concrete slab, creating risk to pipe integrity and programme.
Adfil polypropylene macro synthetic fibres were used in place of traditional reinforcing mesh. This created a three-dimensional reinforcement system that protected the pipework, reduced cracking, improved health and safety by eliminating mesh handling, and delivered environmental and programme benefits.
Programme Coordination with Prefabricated Construction and Early Fit-Out Access
A prefabricated structure supplied by a Dutch contractor was assembled on site, while the client required early access for fit-out works.
The prefabricated building was erected and made air and water tight in just 12 weeks. The programme was resequenced to allow safe early access for the client’s fit-out team while still achieving the original completion date through careful coordination and communication.
Supply Chain Resilience and Financial Pressures
One supply chain partner experienced cashflow challenges outside of their control, posing a risk to programme continuity.
Through open and honest communication, Amiri supported the contractor by purchasing bulk materials in advance, easing financial pressure and ensuring the works progressed without disruption.
We are very pleased with the way Amiri approached and delivered the project. We were kept fully informed at all stages and the project was delivered on time. The onsite management team were very efficient and we are happy to recommend Amiri as main contractor
Neville Prest
Managing Director, Rosebourne Garden Centre
Project Outcomes
The completed Rosebourne Garden Centre delivered a modern, welcoming and highly functional destination that successfully brought the client’s vision to life. The building provided a seamless customer experience across retail, dining and horticultural spaces, while the external works created an attractive and practical setting for visitors.
The project achieved significant environmental and social value outcomes, including high levels of recycling, reuse of materials on site, protection of local wildlife and strong local employment, with almost all operatives living within 30 miles of the site. Innovative construction techniques improved quality, safety and sustainability, while collaborative programme management enabled early fit-out access without impacting completion.
Through proactive problem-solving, strong communication and a commitment to understanding the client’s needs, Amiri delivered a successful project that balanced quality, sustainability and commercial performance, resulting in a garden centre that supports Rosebourne’s brand and long-term growth.
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