Community
5 June, 2025
Under construction
WORKS are progressing at the Terang Co-Op Mitre 10 as once wasted space is now being transformed in to a thriving garden centre.
The works will see the largely vacant space between the Mitre 10 and High Street renovated to include a sweeping veranda adjoining the store, with a nursey centre to be establish under shade to accommodate an expansive range of shrubs, flowers and natives.
Terang Co-op chief executive officer Gary Tempany said the vacant area would get a new lease of life to accommodate the new garden centre – bringing vibrancy to the main street and supporting the town’s enthusiastic gardeners.
“We looked at it about 12 months ago and felt it was fairly wasted space,” he said.
“It was used for a bit of parking but generally that space was not being used at all.
“The hardware store trades really well, so we thought it would be an ideal location to put a nursery for a green life and outdoor garden area.
“It was relatively inexpensive to do because it was a matter of taking the wall out, creating some doors through from the hardware store in to the garden centre, and creating a proper nursery.”
The works are being undertaken by WBK Building and Sargeant Plumbing as the Terang and District Co-op board and executive believed all work must go out to local businesses.
“It took a while to get plans drawn up, get quotes and tenders out, but it was essential to us to utilise local trades for every aspect of the works,” Mr Tempany said.
“They support us, so we want to support them when we have a project like this in the works.
“It’s now underway and we could not be more pleased with the way it’s progressing.
“It was approved by the board only eight weeks ago and we’re already well underway, with an expected launch around September for the start of Spring.”
The plans for the garden centre were made public at the beginning of May, drawing widespread support from the community.
Mr Tempany said he was not surprised to see the enthusiasm for the project as Terang and surrounds have no shortage of green-thumbs who will be sure to make full use of the new space.
“It’s an ideal spot for a nice garden centre, and people in the area are pretty keen on gardening, so it’s a natural fit,” he said.
“It’s a good time for an extension of the hardware store.”
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