More shelter. More visitors. More opportunity.
Partner with the UK’s leading all-weather canopy experts and watch your business bloom
Unlock year-round potential with our expert team by your side… For over 50 years, we’ve helped garden centres across the UK transform from functional outlets to desirable year-round destinations.
From landmark entrances and inspiring plant displays to all-weather dining, retail and family experiences, our imaginative solutions help attract more visitors, encourage longer stays and unlock year-round growth.
Whether you’re looking to broaden your appeal, enhance the customer experience, showcase more of your offer or unlock the hidden potential of your site, our experienced team is ready to help.
Today, we’re proud to be the trusted partner of hundreds of garden centres, with well over half of all our work coming through recommendation – a reflection of the relationships we build and the results we deliver.
Together, let’s create something extraordinary – and help your garden centre flourish in every season.
Because we don’t simply deliver shelter. We create spaces that invite customers to explore further, linger longer and return again and again.
With warmest wishes from Steve and Tom
Our commitment to you: Growth from day one. Confidence for decades. A partner you’ll never outgrow.
A leader trusted by leaders Over the past 50 years, we’re proud to have worked with some of the UK’s most revered garden centre names – from the biggest chains to forwardthinking independents innovating and making their mark.
We pride ourselves on the close, creative and collaborative relationships we build with every team we work with. It’s what brings customers back to us again and again.
The quality, creativity and craftsmanship the Fordingbridge team delivers is second to none. But what really sets them apart is their attention to detail. From electrical trunking and data points to lighting tracks, everything is considered and coordinated as part of the design, so nothing feels like an afterthought. They understand the high expectations of today’s garden centre customers and create and deliver the all-weather solutions that transform a centre from retail outlet to retail destination. Ben Harrison, Chairman of the Garden Centre Association and Operations Director, Haskins
The Fordingbridge difference At the heart of everything we do is a simple promise: to make ambitious site transformations stress-free and rewarding.
Decades of trusted experience For more than 50 years, we’ve helped garden centres unlock site potential with inspiring all-weather environments that drive year-round footfall, dwell time and revenue.
Effortless from start to finish We know how demanding your day-to-day is. That’s why we manage every stage from design through to manufacture and installation, to deliver a seamless experience with minimal demands on your team.
Experts by your side Our friendly team understands unique sector challenges and opportunities. Whether navigating planning requirements, complex sites or evolving retail needs, we help you face the future with confidence.
Built to stand the test of time Every Fordingbridge structure is crafted from premium materials in our UK facility, ensuring exceptional quality and performance. Industry-leading guarantees provide additional peace of mind.
Safe, efficient installation Our experienced teams work to the highest safety standards while minimising site disruption, so that you can continue to operate with confidence throughout the installation process. Value that grows Great design should deliver more than immediate impact. Our complimentary site visits, practical expert advice and tailored solutions help maximise long-term value.
Designed for a greener future From living roofs and solar canopies to smarter rainwater management and durable low-maintenance materials, our solutions create more sustainable, future-ready environments.
Ready for whatever comes next As customer needs evolve, so do our structures. They can be expanded, relocated or reconfigured, giving you the flexibility to scale up your ambitions.
Whatever your needs, we’ve got you covered Today’s customers aren’t simply shopping. They’re seeking places to explore, relax, and spend time. With thoughtful details, we can transform your centre into a sought after year-round destination.
Standout entrances
Covered walkways
Premium plant display
Year-round dining
First impressions that last: Boost footfall with an arrival experience that draws people in.
Stay true to your roots: Protect and showcase plants beautifully year-round.
A warmer welcome: Help customers arrive in style and comfort whatever the weather.
Reasons to linger longer: Create inviting spaces that keep customers coming back.
Upgraded retail areas More space to sell: Convert temporary display areas into valuable retail destinations.
Covered loading
Protection behind the scenes: Keep precious stock sheltered, secure and out of sight.
All-weather play
Adventure without limits: Create year-round family experiences that encourage repeat visits.
Future ready facilities Create a point of difference: Transform underused areas with sought after all-weather padel facilities.
Solar solutions
Sustainability on display: Solar canopies for car charging demonstrate environmental commitment.
Building your vision, step-by-step Our expert team is alongside you at every stage of the design process to turn your vision into something exceptional.
STAGE 1
VISION Share your ideas with our expert Technical Sales Managers during a complimentary site visit. It’s your chance to discuss unique site conditions and planning considerations with a team experienced in turning challenges into considered designs.
STAGE 2
STAGE 3
Once commissioned, we carry out a detailed site survey, laying the groundwork for a design, quotation and delivery schedule shaped by your unique needs.
Our in-house drawing office brings your project to life, from early concept visuals to detailed material specification. Throughout, our designers work closely with your team, architects, contractors and local authorities to ensure everything runs smoothly.
SURVEY & PROPOSAL
DESIGN
STAGE 4
MANUFACTURE All our structures are manufactured in-house, enabling us to deliver your project to your exact specification, on time and on budget. Managing everything from a single site also reduces your project’s carbon footprint – a simple sustainability win.
STAGE 5
INSTALLATION Our in-house logistics teams install your structure at a time that works for you. Every project is overseen by our Health & Safety Manager and backed by CHAS and SSIP accreditation so you can be confident of the highest standards throughout.
SHOWSTOPPING ENTRANCES
Create a first impression that drives footfall First impressions count! Make sure yours creates one that is memorable and enticing and watch visitor numbers and revenues soar…
Smith’s Nurseries Baginton, Coventry A beautiful timber canopy creates a memorable first impression and shelters seasonal displays that capture attention from the moment customers arrive. Extending beyond sliding entrance doors, the entrance canopy continues through to become a premium plant display area, creating a seamless customer journey that invites exploration.
TECH SPECS
Style: Barrel-vaulted entrance canopy
Frame: Sustainably sourced glulam timber Dimensions: 12m x 30m Roof: Opal 60
Did you know? Our Opal 60 fabric is fire retardant and allows 60% daylight penetration while screening out harmful UV rays
TECH SPECS
Style: Barrel-vaulted entrance canopy
Frame: Sustainably sourced glulam timber
Dimensions: 8.5m x 30m Roof: Opal 60
Hillier Garden Centre Three Legged Cross, Dorset Expansive, welcoming and instantly recognisable, this impressive entrance canopy creates a wow on arrival – showcasing seasonal plants and retail displays and transforming the entrance into valuable year-round retail space. Premium materials and prominent branding reinforce a consistent, quality experience across centres nationwide.
PATHWAYS TO POSSIBILITY
Did you know?
Guide customers towards discovery Covered walkways do more than provide shelter. They connect experiences, encourage exploration and help customers discover more of your centre, whatever the season.
Lady Green Garden Centre Ince Blundell, Merseyside Choosing a cost-effective solution from our pre-designed timber range, Lady Green created a walkway that improves flow and encourages exploration. A generous footprint creates valuable additional display space, while integrated seating encourages customers to enjoy the outdoors and browse for longer.
TECH SPECS
Style: Barrel vaulted horseshoe canopy
Frame: Galvanised steel & timber frame Dimensions: 13m x 101m Roof: Opal 60
Our pre-design range gives access to highquality, cost-effective all-weather solutions without the timeframes of fully bespoke designs.
TECH SPECS
Style: Pre-design timber walkway
Frame: Galvanised steel & timber frame Dimensions: 6m x 76m Roof: Opal 60
Haskins Garden Centre West End, Southampton A bold brief called for a walkway that would encourage wider site exploration without compromising impressive outdoor display space. Our solution? A distinctive horseshoe canopy that perfectly frames seasonal displays and draws more visitors through the centre’s expansive outdoor areas.
GROW YOUR APPEAL
Create showstopping plant displays Stay rooted in what makes your garden centre special. Beautiful all-weather plant displays inspire customers, celebrate your expertise and help sales flourish in every season.
Kiln Farm Nursery Ipswich, Suffolk Combining outstanding value with premium design, our pre-designed timber range helped Kiln Farm create a striking entrance where its renowned home-grown plants take centre stage. The result is a beautiful all-weather display that inspires year-round browsing.
TECH SPECS
Style: Taper trellis canopy Frame: Galvanised steel
Dimensions: 22m x 29m Roof: Opal 60
We always had in mind that we would love everyone to enter our centre via a beautiful canopy filled with plants. The area it has created means the world to us - thank you. Ruth Goudy, Owner, Kiln Farm Nursery, Ipswich
TECH SPECS
Style: Pre-design timber canopy
Frame: Pre-design timber frame Dimensions: 6m x 20m Roof: Opal 60
Mayberry Garden Centre Portslade, Sussex As part of a major redevelopment, Mayberry invested in a new premium plant display canopy while extending existing Fordingbridge structures to create additional all-weather retail space – showing how our adaptable canopies can evolve alongside a centre’s ambitions.
UNLOCK NEW RETAIL OPPORTUNITIES
Did you know?
Turn forgotten spaces into year-round sales From sheltered indoor/outdoor browsing to fully insulated retail environments, create flexible spaces that maximise seasonal merchandising and encourage customers to explore for longer.
Trowell Garden Centre Trowell, Nottingham We helped Trowell unlock valuable new retail space by converting an existing Fordingbridge canopy into a fully insulated building. This smart, cost-effective solution shows how our adaptable structures can be upgraded and reimagined to protect your investment as your garden centre evolves.
TECH SPECS
Style: Barrel vaulted canopy Frame: Galvanised steel & timber frame
Dimensions: Twin 9m x 35m Roof: Opal 60
We prioritise flexibility in our designs and our canopy structures can be extended, relocated or converted into fully insulated retail spaces.
TECH SPECS
Style: Hard roof steel conversion
Frame: Galvanised steel Dimensions: 20m (2 x 10m) x 45m
Roof: Opal 60 with fixed rooflights
Glendoick Garden Centre Perth, Scotland Having first partnered with us in 2019, Glendoick returned to expand its all-weather offer. Two new timber canopies offer indoor/ outdoor display space for everything from plants and pots to furniture, tools and accessories, helping the centre maximise year-round sales.
FROM CENTRE TO DESTINATION
Create reasons to linger and return
Did you know?
Today’s customers are looking for more than a shopping trip. Create all-weather experiences that delight, encourage longer stays and inspire visitors to return again and again.
Trowell Garden Centre, Trowell, Nottingham Creating hybrid indoor/outdoor experiences has been central to Trowell’s growing success. Expansive canopies facing onto a bright, inviting courtyard area, enable customers to enjoy an al fresco tea, lunch or catch up with friends, whatever the British weather has in store!
TECH SPECS
Style: Barrel-vaulted canopy Frame: Polyester powder coated steel Dimensions: 12m x 19m Roof: Opal 60
Every single garden centre that has installed one of our all-weather canopies has seen an upturn in footfall
TECH SPECS
Style: Barrel-vaulted taper trellis canopy Frame: Galvanised steel Dimensions: Twin 20m x 35m Roof: Opal 60
Craft Nurseries, Manningtree, Essex Recognising the growing importance of family experiences, Craft Nurseries built on the success of its popular play barn with a new all-weather mini racetrack. The result? Year-round adventures for budding F1 drivers and another compelling reason for families to return, whatever the weather.
Designs to meet every need Drawing on experience across a wider range of sectors, our in-house design and manufacturing teams deliver far more than the canopies we’re famed for. Our creative designs are tailored to your unique needs…
From showstopping entrances designed to create standout
To distinctive dining and retail environments
To designs that transform your outside spaces into your biggest assets
THINK
BIG!
Get in touch with our expert team today to arrange a complimentary site visit. You’ll be surprised and inspired by what’s possible…
Quality that keeps delivering Built to last and designed to adapt, our premium structures deliver value for decades – growing alongside your business and ambitions.
All our structures come with industry-leading 25-year guarantees because we have 100% confidence in the quality of what we build.
Having worked with Fordingbridge numerous times before, when we required a canopy to provide additional external covered retail space, along with a route to our new restaurant they were the obvious choice. They were proactive in designing aesthetically pleasing solutions, whilst working alongside our architect to coordinate groundworks etc. I would wholeheartedly recommend Fordingbridge to anyone considering covered outside space. Jonathan Tate, Managing Director, Old Barn Garden Centre
Protect your hardest working asset with our new Maintenance Service Your canopies work tirelessly throughout the year, creating much loved spaces for customers. Our new Maintenance and Cleaning Service combines specialist cleaning with comprehensive visual structural and drainage inspections, to help protect your investment, maintain long-term warranty compliance and ensure your canopy continues to perform at its best for years to come.
Ready for whatever comes next The best garden centres never stop evolving. With our expert team by your side, every new challenge becomes an opportunity to create standout in a competitive sector. 8 ways we can help you grow greener Responsibly sourced materials
Sustainably sourced timber and ethical supply chains reflect our environmental values.
Sustainability by design Our structures complement their surroundings and integrate sustainability features wherever possible.
Smarter rainwater management
Every site survey includes tailored recommendations to capture and preserve rainwater.
Pioneering green roofs Add insulation, support biodiversity and capture carbon. Just one square metre can absorb 5kg of CO2 every year.
Lower carbon footprints Every structure is designed and manufactured at our West Sussex headquarters, helping reduce production related carbon emissions.
Naturally brighter spaces
Our unique Opal 60 roofing admits up to 60% natural daylight whilst filtering harmful UV rays, helping to reduce energy usage.
Built to evolve
All our structures can be expanded or reconfigured as you grow minimising waste and maximising ong-term value.
Recyclable by design
We only ever use materials that are recyclable at the end of their lifecycle.
Spotting tomorrow’s opportunities, today Because we work across multiple sectors, we’re uniquely placed to identify the trends shaping the future of visitor attractions. From successful family experiences to all-weather padel, we’ll help you stay ahead of the curve and ahead of the competition.
Feeling inspired? Whatever your vision, we’re here to turn it into reality. Talk to our team today and let the transformation begin…
Get in touch with our expert team today to arrange your complimentary site visit: Tel: 01243 55 44 55 Email: info@fordingbridge.co.uk Visit: www.fordingbridge.co.uk Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram
The new area has totally transformed the experience we can offer our tens of thousands of visitors and will hopefully bring in even more. As ever, the team at Fordingbridge were super professional and the speed at which the project was completed was really impressive. David and Barbara Henshaw Owners of Trowell Garden Centre
Create a destination for every season… Let’s imagine what’s possible together.
fordingbridge.co.uk info@fordingbridge.co.uk 01243 55 44 55