New garden centre and coffee shop set to open

28 August 2019

AN innovative garden centre and coffee shop is to open in Ballynahinch’s High Street on Saturday.

Blue Cedar is the brainchild and passion project of 24 year-old William Getty, from Spa.

Five new jobs will be created in the stylish garden centre and gift shop which is sure to appeal to the discerning shopper who appreciates quality and local produce.

Known over the last four years as a contract landscaper and gardener with a growing reputation across Northern Ireland, William has long wanted to create his own garden centre.

The former Down High School student, who went on to get a BSc in Business Administration from the University of Bath, got into gardening as a child aged 12 years.

William’s love for transforming open spaces grew from there and his experience widened after he spent a considerable amount of time working on farms both locally and in Australia, which further developed his knowledge and passion.

William was also inspired on his travels by the coffee culture in Australia and South America.

With the development of Blue Cedar, he has combined both interests in this, his second business, which he intends to run in tandem with Blue Cedar Landscaping.

William will be able to directly show clients at Blue Cedar the plants, shrubs and trees he would recommend in any landscaping contract — all over a cup of delicious coffee.

Since April he has transformed a derelict space in the town into something completely different — and very much on trend — for Ballynahinch.

Using three shipping containers, which were winched on to site, he has developed the garden centre, gift shop and coffee shop that will focus on stocking local goods from quality suppliers.

While the use of shipping containers may well be unusual for local shoppers and diners, William promises that the interior will provide all the comfort and functionality

that coffee fans demand to savour their brew.

All labour and materials were sourced from within a 15 mile radius of Ballynahinch in order to support local businesses.

This ethos has been carried into the coffee shop and gift shop were William is supporting local and independent suppliers who provide a range of food, drinks and gifts.

William has been supported by his family in this new venture, and in particular, he is grateful for the help and support of his girlfriend, Molly, and his sister, Alex, who has moved back from London to help him run the coffee.

He would also like to acknowledge friends who have supported him in his latest venture, especially the boys from Ballynahinch Rugby Club who have worked extremely hard to help him get up and running.

Blue Cedar at 9-15 High Street will be open from 8am to 5pm seven days a week.

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