WORK is set to start on a £1m expansion and refurbishment programme at Jennings Motor Group’s Ford site in Middlesbrough to create Teesside’s first Ford Store.
Expected to take up to seven months, it will see the existing Cargo Fleet Lane dealership, which opened in 2000, nearly double in size, with a 3,500 sq ft extension taking it to 7,600 sq ft and transforming it into a flagship showcase for Ford’s premium models, including the Vignale range, iconic Mustang and performance cars such as the Focus RS.
It is being designed and project-managed by Focus Architecture + Surveying, which has worked with the group on a number of other projects, including the interior and exterior refurbishments of the company’s Seat and Mazda franchises in Middlesbrough, a new Kia and Mazda branch in Sunderland and a Harley-Davidson dealership in Gateshead.
Jennings managing director Nas Khan said: ‘We are delighted to be working on another project with the professional team at Focus Architecture + Surveying, and to announce that work is due to start on site at Middlesbrough, which will see the transformation of the existing Ford branch into a highly prestigious Ford Store, where customers will be given the opportunity to experience and enjoy a more immersive and interactive sales experience.
‘These are very busy but extremely exciting times for the company, with a number of future expansion and refurbishment plans in the pipeline for other dealerships across the group.’
The current layout can hold up to five vehicles, but the new and more spacious showroom will be able to display 11 vehicles.
Lee Sanderson, director at Focus Architecture + Surveying, said: ‘The development has been designed with the new Ford Store standards to create a modern 21st-century motor retail experience for customers by being more personalised and interactive.
‘Located on an already prominent site facing the A66, the new Jennings Ford Store will be a fresh, engaging retail experience for customers, in addition to being a positive addition to the area.’
Khan added: ‘We would like to highlight to our customers that during the seven-month construction process and programme of works, the company has measures in place to ensure minimum disruption to the day-to-day products, services and facilities we provide, so it will be business as usual.’
Pictured at top is an artist’s impression of the Jennings Ford Store
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