A fourth generation Northern Ireland family garden lifestyle business has announced it's expanding in early 2025, adding a fifth garden centre in Carrickfergus to its portfolio as part of a £1.5m investment that will create 10 jobs. Hillmount Carrick will join four other garden centres which are already owned and operated by the Mercer family in Ards, Bangor, Belfast and Cheshire. As well as creating 10 jobs, the £1.
5million investment will enable the installation of a new 60 seater café and extended plant area on the existing site of Sunnybank which has been in the Hardy family for 58 years. Speaking about the expansion, Robin Mercer, Managing Director of Hillmount, said: “We are really looking forward to bringing the Hillmount garden lifestyle brand to Carrick. Our family has been serving the local community in East Belfast since 1940 and more recently in Ards, Bangor and Cheshire. This latest opportunity to open in Mid and East Antrim marks an exciting new chapter in the ambitious longer term expansion plans for our family business. “The addition of a new Gardener’s Rest Café will offer visitors to Hillmount Carrick with a relaxing space to enjoy a coffee after exploring the newly extended plant area. “Opening Hillmount Carrick is testament to the hard work and vision of our family over four generations. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved. It also reflects our continued commitment to excellence and dedication in serving gardening enthusiasts across Northern Ireland and beyond.” It is anticipated that Hillmount Carrick will be open and ready to welcome customers both old and new by spring 2025, solidifying Hillmount’s position as a trusted name in horticulture and garden retai