Lancashire-based Bowker Motor Group has received planning permission to build a new 43,000 square feet Porsche Centre in Preston.
Preston City Council has approved plans for the multi-million pound transformation of the site at the junction of Watery Lane and West Strand Road in Preston.
The investment in the new Porsche Centre Preston will create over 30 jobs. Preston will be the 40th Porsche Centre in the UK network.
Work on the new Porsche Centre is expected to commence in the Spring with the building scheduled to open later in the year.
Bowker Motor Group chief executive, Paul Bowker, said: “We are delighted to receive planning permission for Porsche Centre Preston.
“Bowker Motor Group has enjoyed an exciting period of expansion over the last four years. This latest investment continues our commitment to the Lancashire motoring sector and the regeneration of our Preston docklands gateway location.
“Thousands of people will pass the new Porsche dealership every day. So it is important that we improve the area and experience for Prestonians and city visitors.
“We are especially excited to be partnering with one of the world’s most prestigious motoring brands. A city like Preston deserves the best brands and retail experiences. And Porsche certainly represents that.
“We are also grateful to the authorities and the team of professionals who have worked so hard to help us progress through the crucial planning stage.”
The designs for the new Porsche Centre Preston were prepared by Preston-based architects Cassidy and Ashton.
The building design features a 35-car showroom and a 13-bay workshop. There are also two customer handover bays; two direct dialogue bays which enable service advisors to demonstrate scope of technical work from every perspective; and, also EV charging points.
For Cassidy and Ashton, director Lawrence McBurney said: “This exciting new dealership will help to uplift the appearance of the surrounding area and hopefully act as a catalyst for further regeneration of this important gateway to the City.
“We have already worked with Bowker Motor Group to create some amazing new retail spaces in the region. So we were delighted to work with them once again on this landmark project. The building shows the very best of modern retail design, whilst showcasing one of the most exciting automotive brands on the planet.”
Porsche Cars GB Limited confirmed its decision to appoint Bowker Motor Group to operate its new Lancashire Centre in September 2017.
And Porsche Centre Preston will become the eleventh member of the Bowker Motor Group portfolio, which includes car and motorcycle dealerships in Blackburn and Preston.
