Get ready for a hole-in-one excitement! Hawley Garden Centre in Sutton at Hone, near Dartford, is set to soft-launch its brand-new mini golf attraction this weekend, offering a unique blend of nature and adventure. But here's where it gets controversial... Is this the future of garden centres? The long-awaited mini golf course, Aztec Adventure Golf, is finally opening its doors, and it promises to be a game-changer for the area. With a 12-hole course featuring artificial grass pathways and stone-like borders, it's a far cry from the traditional garden centre experience. But why the delay? The centre initially aimed to open in December, but several changes pushed the launch back. Manager Mike Oliver explains, 'It's been delayed and delayed, so we're having a bit of a soft opening this weekend.' The centre decided to venture into the mini golf business to attract new customers and diversify its offerings. 'People can come in and play golf and then have a wander around the garden centre,' Mike says. 'We want to show more people our lovely garden centre and make it more profitable.' This move aligns with the centre's goal to become a destination, as stated by Mark, the centre's owner. 'With the decline of the high street, garden centres have become more of a go-to place,' he says. 'We need to have a more versatile offering which is not just plants and nice furniture.' But is mini golf the answer? The industry has been evolving, and Hawley Garden Centre is embracing change. The centre has been through a lot, from being put on the market for £5 million in 2023 to being acquired by Castacrete the following year. Now, with the addition of mini golf, it's set to become a one-stop shop for all things garden-related. So, will this controversial move pay off? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: Hawley Garden Centre is taking a bold step, and we can't wait to see the results. And this is the part most people miss... The centre's new parking area, with 35 spaces and electric vehicle charging points, is a game-changer for accessibility. It's a subtle yet significant addition that showcases the centre's commitment to innovation. So, are you ready to tee off at Hawley Garden Centre? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Do you think mini golf is the future of garden centres? Or is it just a passing trend?
