Blue Diamond Group is pushing forward with plans to fully establish its presence in Huntingdon, applying to Huntingdonshire District Council for a premises licence to sell alcohol at its newly acquired garden centre.
The application details a desire to serve alcohol throughout the entire garden centre complex, encompassing the restaurant, external seating areas, and even during the retail sale of goods – particularly for seasonal events. Notably, the company intends to host events like late-night shopping and has specifically included provision for a temporary ice rink, allowing alcohol sales within that designated area.
While regular trading hours are expected to run from 9am to 6pm, Blue Diamond has applied for extended hours to accommodate these special occasions. This flexibility, they state in their application, is crucial for offering a complete customer experience and capitalising on seasonal opportunities.
The move positions Blue Diamond to offer a wider range of services than a traditional garden centre, potentially hosting events and providing a more complete leisure destination for the local community. It also reflects a growing trend among garden centres to diversify their offerings and attract customers beyond the peak gardening season.
Members of the public have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the application. Huntingdonshire District Council is currently accepting representations through its online Licensing Portal. Individuals who wish to comment on the application must submit their feedback via the portal before the closing date. The council will then consider all submissions before making a final decision on whether to grant Blue Diamond the requested licence.
This application comes on the heels of the confirmed opening date for the store, signalling Blue Diamond’s commitment to becoming a key retail destination within the Cambridgeshire area. The company is hoping the licence will be approved in time for the busy Christmas period.
