| Customer | Cherry Lane Garden Centre |
| Sector | Retail & Trade |
| Building Usage | Garden Centre |
| Location | Leicester |
| Architect/Project | Midbrook Design Team |
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Project Overview
Building Size: 34 m x 26.5 m
Eaves Height: 3.5 m
Insulation: 60mm insulated roof / single-skin walls
Project Scope: Steel building design, supply and installation
Project Start: September 2026
Construction Period: Approximately 5 weeks
Indicative Project Cost: £200,000 – £260,000*
Midbrook Steel Buildings was appointed to design, supply and install a new steel-framed building extension for Cherry Lane Garden Centre in Leicester.
The new 34m x 26.5m building provides a substantial addition to the existing garden centre, with the design carefully considered to complement the surrounding buildings and make the best use of the available space.
A Bespoke Steel Building Designed Around the Existing Garden Centre
One of the key considerations for this project was ensuring the new extension worked alongside the existing garden centre buildings, both practically and visually.
Rather than opting for one large, simple roof span, the extension features a multi-span pitched roof design, carefully designed to complement the rooflines of the existing buildings and create a more cohesive appearance across the site.
The dark external cladding provides a smart, modern finish while allowing the new structure to sit comfortably alongside the existing garden centre.
Overcoming a Tight Site Without Disrupting Daily Operations
Working on an established and operational garden centre presented an additional challenge. The new steel building needed to be constructed directly alongside an existing building, with particularly limited working space along the rear elevation.
Careful planning and coordination were essential throughout the installation. Our team planned the erection sequence around the restricted access, allowing the steel frame and cladding to be installed safely and efficiently despite the tight working conditions.
Importantly, Cherry Lane Garden Centre remained open throughout the project. Despite the scale of the new 34m x 26.5m extension and the construction taking place alongside the existing premises, there was no disruption to the garden centre's day-to-day operations. Customers were able to continue visiting and enjoying the garden centre as usual while work progressed.
For busy retail environments, minimising disruption can be just as important as the finished building. This project demonstrates how careful planning can allow a significant steel building project to progress alongside an operational business.
Steel Building Design, Supply and Installation
Midbrook's package covered the design, supply and installation of the complete steel building, giving the client one experienced team to manage the steel building element of the development.
Construction began in September 2026, with the steel building completed in approximately five weeks.
At 34m x 26.5m with a 3.5m eaves height, the finished building demonstrates how a bespoke steel-framed solution can be designed around an existing retail site rather than requiring the site to adapt around a standard building design.
Steel Buildings for Garden Centres and Retail Businesses
Steel-framed buildings are a practical option for garden centres and other retail and trade businesses requiring additional space, particularly where a new building needs to integrate with existing structures.
Every Midbrook building is designed around the individual site and its intended use. From standalone retail buildings to extensions such as Cherry Lane Garden Centre, we can tailor the building's dimensions, roof design, insulation, cladding and specification to suit the project.
We can provide the steel building design, supply and installation as a standalone package or manage a wider turnkey steel building project, including groundworks and other elements where required.
Planning a Garden Centre or Retail Steel Building?
If you're considering expanding an existing garden centre, retail site or trade premises, our team can help you explore the options available and develop a steel building designed specifically around your site.
Contact Midbrook Steel Buildings to discuss your project or request a free quotation.
*Indicative costs are provided as a guide only. The final cost of a steel building will depend on its specification, site conditions, access, location and individual project requirements.