West Drayton's Rural Activities Garden Centre (RAGC) is facing potential closure by 31 July 2025, due to ongoing financial losses. The Hillingdon Council Cabinet discussed the matter at a meeting on Thursday 26 June 2025, where they reviewed a report outlining the centre's financial difficulties and proposed solutions.
The report (05 - REPORT Cabinet Report - June 25 - RAGC.pdf) indicated that the retail side of the RAGC required a £137,000 subsidy in 2024/25, with a 42% year-on-year decrease in sales income. The council is proposing to cease retail operations at the site and consult on the future of support services currently delivered there. A relocation of these services to a new, enhanced garden facility at the Civic Centre campus in Uxbridge is being considered.
The Cabinet (Hillingdon Council Cabinet meeting) considered recommendations to cease retail operations and consult on the future of support services, including relocation to Uxbridge. The council also plans to consult with volunteers who attend the RAGC. An Equalities Impact Assessment and a petition hearing appendix summarizing two petitions received by the council in relation to the proposals were included in the report pack.
During the meeting, the Cabinet also discussed other key issues, including homelessness prevention, capital funding for education and special educational needs, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. A report from the Residents' Services Select Committee on Homeless Prevention and the Customer Journey (06 - REPORT Cabinet Covering report - Homelessness Review 1 1.pdf) was reviewed, focusing on enhancing resident experience and process efficiency. The Cabinet also considered allocating £6.065m of underspent funds for education and SEND (08 - REPORT Cabinet Report - Capital Funding Allocation for Education and SEND - 04.06.25 2.pdf) and discussed proposed allocations for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (09 - REPORT UKSPF 2025_26 Cabinet report.pdf).