Quarry Bank potting shed gets new lease of life

Image: Shop manager Gill Topham has been busy preparing a garden range for the new shop at Quarry Bank.

For gardeners at Quarry Bank it was the perfect place for a potting shed 200 years ago.

Now the old, brick building has been put to a new 21^st century use – as a shop selling garden-related products and produce.

“It is amazing to be bringing this part of Quarry Bank back to life,” said shop manager Gill Topham.

“To be in what was the working part of the garden is exciting and I am certain it is something that is going to interest all of our visitors.”

After lying derelict for years the old shed has been transformed into a shop selling everything from garden ornaments to locally-made chutneys.

There’s also a selection of garden-related books and other items that will make perfect gifts for any horticulturist.

All food and drink in the shop was made within 20 miles of Quarry Bank including Mr Fitzpatrick’s Temperance Drinks and Bollington Brewery’s beverages.

The outlet is part of the Quarry Bank Project, which is set to transform visitors’ experience of the National Trust property.

It follows the opening of the garden café earlier this summer and is situated behind the ongoing reconstruction of the 1830s glasshouse.

Roz Stone, Visitor and Commercial Operations Manager, said the shop and café openings were important moments for staff and visitors alike.

“It is exciting to see all the changes, but also really nice for the people who have made a contribution because they can now see everything coming to fruition,” she said.

Fundraising is continuing for the Quarry Bank Project with £300,000 still to raise and one of the ways to support these efforts is to sponsor a pane in the curvilinear glasshouse for £50.

A £250 donation will be rewarded with the sponsor’s name being included on a donor board.

“Visitors can still see this conservation in action throughout the summer and will be amazed at how much progress is made every time they visit,” said Project Coordinator Emma Armstrong.

To make a donation email emma.armstrong2@nationaltrust.org.uk