Yorkshire based dealer group, JCT600 have secured planning approval from Harrogate Borough Council, to redevelop and extend its Mercedes-Benz dealership on Leeds Road in Pannal, near Harrogate.
The process took months because of the dealership’s proximity to a Grade II listed viaduct and it’s situation in the Crimple Valley Special Landscape Area.
JCT600 who acquired the dealership in April 2015, are planning to spend £1.7m to transform the existing outdated building and valeting bay into a modern, customer-centric showroom, incorporating the very latest Mercedes-Benz branding and digital integration. It will feature low cost and sustainable energy initiatives including a ‘smart’ wireless energy management system and LED lighting, in line with the company’s sustainability policy.
JCT600 have acquired a one acre site adjacent to the dealership enabling it to enlarge the facility which will include an eight car showroom for new vehicles with a dedicated handover lounge, plus capacity for 65 pre-owned vehicles externally. It will feature a full range of customer facilities such as an internet café, dedicated after sales lounge and a specially designed kids zone with iPads and game station.
Talking about the project, Mark Taylor, property director of JCT600 said,“Mercedes-Benz enjoys one of the most prominent locations for motor retail in Harrogate, being next to the M&S Simply Food outlet and BP petrol station close to Pannal. We did seriously consider relocating the business, but concluded that with the right vision and investment, it could be transformed to create a prestigious facility which would meet the growth aspirations of JCT600 and Mercedes-Benz. This development will not only improve the appearance of the site for years to come, but also protect the jobs of the 44-strong team who work there.
“We’re also proud that the refurbished facility will be as environmentally-friendly as possible, in line with our ongoing sustainability roll-out across our network of dealerships.”
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