New era for gardening enthusiasts as Hillmount Carrick officially opens

Mayor of Mid & East Antrim Borough, Alderman William McCaughey, joins David, Alan and Robin Mercer at the official opening of Hillmount Carrick

Gardening enthusiasts across Northern Ireland have a new reason to celebrate with the official opening of Hillmount Carrick, a state-of-the-art garden centre launched by the Mercer family on Beltoy Road.

This significant expansion represents a major milestone in the fourth-generation family business, marking their fifth garden centre across Northern Ireland and England.

The new location was officially opened following a £1.5 million investment that transformed the former Sunnybank site into a contemporary garden lifestyle destination.

The revitalised centre combines the original site’s rustic charm with modern enhancements, including a spacious plant area, premium garden furniture, BBQs, gardening tools, giftware, and a fresh new hospitality offering.

A Commitment to Community and Wellbeing

Three year old Reya Mercer declares Hillmount Carrick open. The garden centre is the newest in the Mercer family portfolio and is located on Beltoy Road, Carrickfergus

At the heart of Hillmount Carrick is the brand-new 60-seater Gardener’s Rest Café, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. The café is designed to be a tranquil space for visitors to relax and enjoy refreshments while immersed in greenery—adding a new social element to the retail experience.

Robin Mercer BEM, managing director of Hillmount, reflected on the family’s longstanding connection with nature and the public:

“We are thrilled to bring the multi award winning Hillmount experience to Carrickfergus. Our family has been dedicated to the mental health and wellbeing of the gardening community since 1940, urging local families to connect with nature and share in the joy of gardening, and this new chapter in Carrick reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence, sustainability and community engagement.”

The launch was marked by a warm reception from the Carrickfergus community, with local officials and residents alike welcoming the addition.

“Already we have been inundated with well wishes from new customers of Hillmount Carrick and we are encouraged by the warm welcome we have received from the local community. We are grateful to the Mayor for performing our official opening and we are looking forward to building lasting relationships with our neighbours across the Mid and East Antrim borough,” Mercer added.

Boost to Local Economy and Green Living

Three year old Reya Mercer officially declares Hillmount Carrick open with Mayor of Mid & East Antrim Borough, Alderman William McCaughey. They are joined by David, Robin and Alan Mercer

The opening has brought 10 new jobs to the local area across retail and hospitality, providing a boost to the economy and expanding employment opportunities.

The development comes at a time of growing consumer interest in gardening, green spaces, and outdoor living—trends accelerated by the UK’s ongoing focus on wellbeing and sustainability.

Hillmount Carrick is now open seven days a week, offering a new destination for plant lovers, families, and those seeking inspiration for their gardens and outdoor spaces.

Part of a Growing Garden Centre Legacy

Hillmount Carrick now joins the Hillmount family of garden centres, alongside successful branches in Ards, Bangor, Belfast, and Cheshire. Each location is recognised for providing expert horticultural advice, high-quality products, and a strong connection to their local communities.

With its Carrickfergus branch, Hillmount continues its mission to inspire people across the UK to embrace gardening as both a lifestyle and a source of wellbeing.

For more information, visit www.hillmount.co.uk or follow Hillmount Carrick on social media.