Gates Garden Centre to open in Stapleton

Gates Garden Centre has confirmed it has taken over Dobbies Stapleton.

Gates Garden Centre, a family business with over 75 years of history, took over former Woodlands Garden Centre near Hinckley on the 1st February 2025.

Gates which already has a successful garden centre at Cold Overton near Oakham say the second site will be known as Gates Woodlands Hinckley. The centre, which was previously operated by Dobbies, closed in January. 

Gates has confirmed that the existing team from Dobbies will remain in place, bringing their expert knowledge but it said also plans to recruit more staff due to the expansion of the site. 

Nigel Gates said 'The Gates team are excited to collaborate with their new colleagues, enhancing and expanding the existing infrastructure to deliver the signature Gates brand experience at this much-loved Garden Centre.'

The garden centre is currently closed for refurbishment but many concessions remain open for business. A sign outside the main gates on the A447 says "garden centre closed". 

The Gates Oakham restaurant and the Gates Farm Shop were recently named the best in the UK by the Garden Centre Association.

Gates say these experiences will be recreated at the Hinckley location.