Foundry Plant Centre near Norwich reveals expansion

Tasburgh-based Foundry Plant Centre has been in business for 43 years, and at its current location off the A140 for 12.

The 10 acre site it now calls home was a wasteland when owner Paul Stevenson purchased it, but has since blossomed into an oasis of Norfolk grown plants - the majority of which have been raised by Mr Stevenson and his team.

Foundry Plant Centre near Tasburgh (Image: Newsquest)

Over the past decade the green-fingered businessman has cultivated a reputation for high quality, fairly priced products, which he says has been possible due to growing most of the stock himself. 

But not content to sit back and enjoy the fruits of his labours just yet, Mr Stevenson, now in his 70s, is preparing to upgrade the space even further.

Foundry Plant Centre near Tasburgh (Image: Newsquest)

The plans include a car park extension and a “lagoon”, complete with Las Vegas-style fountains which Mr Stevenson said will “perform” to music. 

These additions will sit alongside the venue’s new restaurant, which opened last year, and features a retractable glass roof. 

Foundry Plant Centre opened a new restaurant last year (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Stevenson said the investment will allow him to host evening events. 

He said: “It’ll be something special with nice music on the weekend, a hog roast barbeque, and the kids enjoying the play area.

Paul Steveson, who owns Foundry Plant Centre near Tasburgh, and his team (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s not so much about turning a profit, but encouraging people to come and spend time here and see what we do.

“Really I should be slowing down at this point in life, but I can’t help but be planning all the time.

“I always wanted to build this place into something, and I don’t want to sell it and retire because the team and the customers are like my family.”